Monday, December 23, 2013

November Sales Data for Pasadena

Sales data for Pasadena single family homes remains unbelievably strong.  In fact, sales data is showing that we are closer to the height of the market than we have ever been on this climb to recovery.  All the more reason to seriously consider selling your home if you have been waiting on the side lines for a "good time" to sell.  That "good time" is here!

We are only 10% away from the 2006 sq ft price.  With 70% LESS inventory coupled with the fact that we are currently only 2% away from 2006 median sales price, sellers are beginning to realize that the market has shifted.

Three opportunities exist right now:

1.  Move up/scale down buyer/seller - You will be VERY happy with the outcome of the sale of your home.  There is very little inventory and buyers are confident.  You will still need to prepare your home for sale, price it competitively, and market it property, but the result will be well worth it.  You will also have an opprotunity to possibly negotiate a rent back, so there will be extra time for your new home search.  And, don't forget, with the low interest rates you will have a larger buyer pool for your home, AND you will get an excellent rate for your new loan.  By the way, not finding a home seems to be the greatest worry for the move-up buyer, but rest assured, we have NEVER had a family without a home for an extended period of time.  It always works out! 

2.  First time buyer - Although inventory is tight, the interest rates can not be passed up.  We expect rates to begin going up  in 2015, and when this happens, buyer affordability will decrease, thus lowering the price point of your new home.  Even with all of the competition, finding and securing your first home can be a reality.  You just have to stay focused on your goal and never give up!

3.  Non-equity seller - For sellers with little to no equity, now is the time to sell.  As we mentioned, pricing isn't far off prices at the height of the market, so the possibility of getting out of a large and cumbersome mortgage, without bringing money to the table to do so, could be a reality.  Low interest rates and little inventory means that you will have a larger pool of buyers who want your home and willing to pay for it.  You, in the end, will benefit!

If you would like an analysis of the value of your home and the details of our 3 Steps to a Successful Sale, drop us a line.  626-818-2577 or ccohn@deasypenner.com.


Thursday, December 19, 2013

Pasadena Business Network 1st Quarter Mixer

On Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 5pm-7pm at Trattoria Neapolis, the Pasadena Business Network with be Networking for a Cause.  This event with be co-hosted with Andrea Vining & Tom Murray at Morgan Stanley, and Trattoria Neapolis has graciously agreed to provide complimentary appetizers.

We will be networking for Bloom Again Foundation, a local non-profit that supports women at or near the poverty level who are currently enduring personal medical emergencies.  Any charitable donations received will go directly toward the ancillary medical and living essential  needs of these women.

Together, let's make a difference in our Pasadena community by supporting this worthy organization.


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

7 Tips to a Stress Free Holiday

Christmas is a week away, so here are a few tips from our friend John Sovec, Therapy and Counseling that will help you to have the most stress free holiday ever!  Merry Christmas!

 
7 Tips to a Stress Free Holiday
 
From John Sovec, Therapy and Counseling
Every year we promise ourselves it's going to be different.  This year I will have a fun holiday filled with peace and happy moments. And then the holiday rat race begins: filled with parties, shopping, feasting, high expectations and anticipation of how the holidays should be. And when those expectations aren't met, we stress out!
So this year, it’s time to do things a little differently. These seven tips will help you to have a stress free holiday filled with joy and laughter
1. One thing at a time. This is the simplest and best way to start reducing your stress, and you can start today. Right now. Focus as much as possible on doing one thing at a time.  Do only that. Remove distractions. This takes practice, and you’ll get urges to do other things. Just keep practicing and you’ll get better at it.
2. Simplify your schedule. A hectic holiday schedule is a major cause of high stress. Simplify by reducing the number of commitments in your life to just the essential ones. Learn to say no to the rest. Leave room for down time and fun.
3. Get moving. Do something each day to be active — walk, hike, play a sport, go for a run, do yoga. It doesn’t have to be grueling to reduce stress. Just move. Have fun doing it.
4. Do something calming. What do you enjoy that calms you down? Reading a book? Meditating? Having a cup of tea? Find your calming activity and try to do it each day. If possible stay away from TV as your calming time since it actually places the body under stress.
5. Have a blast! Have fun each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Whatever you choose, be sure to laugh. A little laughter every day helps make things less overwhelming and also releases calming chemicals into your body.
6. Be early. It’s hard to be early when you have many holiday commitments, but being late can be very stressful. Try to leave earlier by getting ready earlier, or by scheduling more space between events. During the holidays things always take longer than normal, so schedule some buffer time: extra time to get ready, to commute, to shop, and to cook. If you get somewhere early, take that time to do you calming activity.
7. Eat and drink sensibly, and get plenty of exercise and sleep. For most people, the holidays go hand in hand with too much fat, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, and not nearly enough sleep and exercise. One of the easiest and most straightforward ways to combat holiday stress is to pay better attention to your body’s need for healthy food, exercise, and sleep during this intense time of year.
Using these simple tips you can make for a stress free holiday and enjoy all the season has to offer.
To learn more about  releasing stress and anxiety all year long visit www.JohnSovec.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Cynthia installed as 2014-2015 Board Director for the Pasadena-Foothills Assocation of Realtors (PFAR)




On Friday, December 6th,  I was installed as a 2014-2015 Board Director for the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors (PFAR).  It is an honor to serve our association for a second term!
 
Founded in 1907, the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors has built an industry-wide reputation of being one of the strongest real estate associations in the nation. Serving the communities of Pasadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta and Sunland-Tujunga, we provide our members with education and resources that enable them to conduct their business successfully and profitably with integrity and competency; promoting and enforcing ethical standards; and advocating private property rights, homeownership and community service.

For more information, visit www.pfar.org.

 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Mark & Cynthia Host Appreciation Party


This holiday season we took a moment to reflect on our gratitude for the friendship and support we have received from our clients and friends over the past year.  On November 26th, we invited our friends and clients to stop by our home in Pasadena, join us in a glass of wine and pick up a gift - a delicious Thanksgiving pie.

We run our business primarily by referral and by doing so, we are able to put our time and resources back into the people we care most about.  That's why we were thrilled to share this holiday season with our clients and friends and to take a moment to celebrate and thank them.


It is a good life!

Mark & Cynthia



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Mark & Cynthia named BEST REALTORS!



we are excited to announce that we won BEST REALTORS for Pasadena Weekly's Best of Pasadena Survey!  Thank you to everyone for your support and for taking the time to vote for us!

With over 19 years of combined experience, and as Pasadena homeowner's and parents of 3 children, we are committed to our real estate practice, our community, and to you.  We will always be here to provide you our expertise - from updating you on the value of your home, to helping you decide how to add value to your home, or giving you referrals to our fabulous professional partners.

We run our business by referral, so when you think of us for your friends and family, and you take the time to connect us via phone or email, we are ever so grateful to you.  We treat your referral like family and ensure that they are represented in the professional way they deserve.

Your support and trust confirms to us that what we do means something and it gives us purpose and the drive the continue to grow and to serve as your Realtors.

Mark & Cynthia
  


Monday, October 7, 2013

NETWORKING FOR PASADENA'S JOURNEY HOUSE RAISED OVER $800.00

Carol Fishburn, Cynthia Cohn, Gaurav Malhotra
Pasadena Business Network 's 3rd Quarter Mixer was held at El Portal in Pasadena on Monday, September 30th.  Over 100 guests joined us, along with co-hosts Carol Fishburn at Brentwood Advisory Group, and Gaurav Malhotra with Lucas, Horsfall, Murphy & Pindroh LLP.  Together we made a difference in our community raising over $800.00.

We were NETWORKING FOR A CAUSE in honor of Journey House and their Adopt-A-Student Program which supports emancipated youth through their college journey. As always, there was no charge to attend and all charitable contributions have gone directly towards students participating in this invaluable program. 


Together, we founded the Pasadena Business Network. As a local husband/wife Pasadena real estate team, we run our Pasadena real estate practice by referral, acting as a team of trusted advisors for our friends, clients, and the area’s leading business professionals. We take great joy in the long-term friendships we create with our clients, and in return, we commit our time and their resources back into our clientele, long after the close of escrow.

If you are interested in learning more about our business mixers or participating in the future, please call Cynthia Cohn, with deasy/penner&cohn at 626-818-2577.

The El Portal Patio was the perfect setting for the mixer.


Networking with Journey House.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Pasadena SFR Sales Statistics for August 2013


Prices Increase for Pasadena Single Family Homes

TRENDVision, the company which assimilates the large quantity of data from our iTech MLS, has just released the statistics for our August 2013 Pasadena homes sales.  When comparing August 2013 to August 2012 single family homes sales for the Pasadena market, sales were up slightly.  Homes sold were up 3% and pending sales were up 4%.  The most drastic change was found in the enormous increase in sales price.  Average price per square foot was up 26%, median sales price was up by 33%, and the average sold price was up 39%. 

From July 2013 to August 2013, we have seen a decrease in the number of homes for sale by 10% and the homes pending decreased by 11%.  This is usual for the time of year, and considering August is a heavy vacation month coupled by many schools starting their new year.  The next several months will prove to be an interesting time, however, one thing will remain constant - it has never been a better time to think about selling your home.  This market is perfect for the family looking to move-up, scale down, or just sell and get out of an expensive existing mortgage. 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Networking for a Cause

Pasadena Business Network 's 3rd Quarter Mixer is scheduled for Monday, September 30th from 5pm-7pm at redwhite+bluezz JAZZ CLUB which has new ownership and has just moved to The Pasadena Playhouse at 37 S. El Molino Ave.  We will be NETWORKING FOR A CAUSE in honor of Journey House and their Adopt-A-Student Program which supports emancipated youth through their college journey.  As always, there is no charge to attend, however, any charitable contributions (optional) will go directly towards students participating in this invaluable program.  Please join us, along with co-hosts Carol Fishburn at Brentwood Advisory Group, and Gaurav Malhotra with Lucas, Horsfall, Murphy & Pindroh LLP, and together let's make a difference in our community.  Appetizers will be generously donated by the restaurant and a cash bar is available.

We are expecting a terrific turnout, so please RSVP to PasadenaBusinessNetwork@lhmp.com

Friday, August 23, 2013

How to Get Your Home Sold: Make Sure the Price is Right


Pricing a listing competitively from the beginning is the best way to attract buyers, but sellers can also spark some interest with a strategic price reduction.

http://members.buffiniandcompany.com/downloads/eCAP/BonusEreport_Sept12_S.jpg

Monday, April 15, 2013

Who really benefits from the current real estate market?

March 2013 Pasadena Single Family Home Sales Update

There are three groups of people that benefit best from the current state of our real estate market.

1.  The Non Equity Seller

If you know of someone with little or no equity in their home, who has been waiting on the sidelines for the right time to sell their house without having to bring money to the table, now is the time.  With the decline in inventory, demand out weighing supply, sales price increases, and increase in the quality of the buyers, this group of sellers can really benefit - they can finally move on with their lives.

2.  The Move Up/Scale Down Seller

There are many families in our community who have outgrown their current residence or are looking to scale down and are wondering if now is the time to do so.  Although inventory has declined, these sellers can really take advantage of this market.  The days on market have decreased averaging about 2 months, resulting in quicker sales and less hassle for the seller.  Who wants to keep their house clean for 3-4 months with open houses every Sunday?  For this seller, they are assured a quicker sale, a financially higher quality buyer, solid contract terms (even perhaps a rent back), AND a higher sales price.  In turn, the seller may be able to stay in their home rent free while a replacement property is found or can even make their sale contingent on finding that replacement home.

3.  The Buyer

Even with low inventory, and increasing prices, NOW is a fabulous time to buy.  The low interest rates ensure that a buyer will qualify for more of a home, one that can be the perfect home for many years to come.  One thing will never change, no matter what type of market conditions we are working within...people sell to people, and those are the connections we are honored to make.

If you would like to know what the value of your home is, or if you would like our expertise in any capacity, just let us know.  We are here for you.



Thursday, March 7, 2013

3 Tips to Boost Your Home's Online Appeal

Since many home buyers search the Internet before ever stepping into a property, it is imperative for a Seller to do everything possible to boost their home's Internet appeal.  This can be achieved in several simple steps.

Professionally cleaning the windows, turning on the lights, and opening the curtains to allow the natural sunlight to fill the house, will result in bright and inviting photographs.

In addition, just as important as light is to the buyer, is the ability for the buyer to imagine themselves in your home.  By clearing all of the clutter and removing most personal artifacts and photographs, the Seller will paint a neutral and organized setting.

And lastly, the photographs should highlight all of the unique features of the home.  For instance, if the home has a front porch, a photo of the porch with fresh flowers and a seating area, enhances the curb appeal and the home's interesting features. It allows the buyer to envision themselves sitting on the porch, perhaps enjoying the sunset or watching their children play.

Too often, we see photos accompanying MLS listings that are dark and uninviting.  Usually, the space hasn't been prepared properly, and as a result, the listings tend to be on the market longer and may generate a lower sales price and less interest.

The reason we provide professional photography to all of our clients, is so that we are able to tell a true story about the home.  We want the buyers shopping on the Internet to read our listings and view our photography, and to be excited about the house we are selling.  Excited enough for them to want to come see the house immediately and to make them wonder if this is the one they have been looking for.  Their dream home!

If you are thinking about selling your home sometime in the near or distant future, and are interested in knowing what you can do to boost the appeal of your home to prospective buyers, let us know.  We would be happy to come over to your home and share with you our experience and advice.



Wednesday, February 20, 2013

We Love our Preferred Business Partners!


Last Thursday, we had the pleasure of treating 20 of our Preferred Business Partners to lunch as a way to thank them for their support in our efforts to provide our friends and clients with the professional real estate representation deserved (see photo).

During the luncheon, we calculated that between all of us, we have nearly 400 years of experience behind us in every single family we represent - whether that family is leasing, purchasing or selling real property.  From escrow, to lending, to home inspections, to sewer line scoping (just to name a few) - you name it, we have someone who supports us in each of the specialties.

We are proud to associate ourselves with the best professionals in the area, and we know that the relationships we have nourished over the years have directly impacted the positive interactions and outcomes we have experienced.

Please remember that we are a resource to you.  Whether you would like our advice on real estate, or need a referral for fabulous professional, we are here for you.  And to us, that puts true meaning to what we do.

Mark & Cynthia Cohn
626-818-2577

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

"What Tree Is That?" Arboretum Classes

The Arboretum is hosting classes titled "What Tree is That" each month through May.  We are looking forward to hearing Dr. Turney speak and learning how to identify trees throughout our area.  It is great to be able to identify trees on a property as we are touring buyers through homes on the market, so we are excited to expand our knowledge.  We are lucky that Pasadena has the City Trees and Tree Protection Ordinance and is home to the Pasadena Beautiful Foundation.
Below are the details from the Arboretum website.  Hope to see you there!
Saturdays: 2/2/13, 3/2/13, 4/13/13, 5/11/13
10am-12noon
$25 Arboretum members per class/$30 per non-member (include Arboretum admission)
Please call the Class Reservation Line at 626.821.4623 for information or to register for a class.

Do you know the trees of Southern California? We have one of the most
diverse urban forests in the USA. This class will teach you about 15 different trees on each of four Saturdays for a total of 60 trees, beginning on February 2, 2013. Each one hour lecture will cover 15 tree species followed by a walk in the Arboretum to see the trees that were covered during the lecture. 

Dr. Jerrold Turney, plant pathologist and certified arborist, will teach you to identify trees, their growth habit, their native country, how they should be cared for, any common diseases or insect pests that attack them, and the best place in your garden to plant them.

Dr. Turney has served as the curator of the camellia gardens at the Huntington Library and Botanic Gardens, a research horticulturist at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, and is currently the plant pathologist for the Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures for the County of Los Angeles.


All Dates & Times for this event


  • February 02, 2013 Saturday
    10:00AM - 12:00PM
    March 02, 2013
    Saturday
    10:00AM - 12:00PM
    April 13, 2013
    Saturday
    10:00AM - 12:00PM
    May 11, 2013
    Saturday
    10:00AM - 12:00PM

Friday, January 25, 2013

Pasadena's First 'Bicycle Boulevard' Opens Jan. 31

The public is invited to join Mayor Bill Bogaard, Councilmember Victor Gordo and bicycle enthusiasts for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, to open Pasadena’s first dedicated “Bicycle Boulevard.”

The bicycle friendly event hosted by the City’s Department of Transportation will be held at the corner of Marengo Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard.

Pasadena’s Bicycle Boulevard stretches about three-quarters of a mile along Marengo Avenue, and is anchored at the intersections with Orange Grove Boulevard and Washington Boulevard.  Special bicycle signals at these intersections alert bicyclists when it is their turn to enter “Bicycle Boulevard” while posted signs divert motorists from entering.

Although this stretch of Marengo is not open to through vehicular traffic, Marengo Avenue’s residents with cars can still enter the new bicycle zone by using side streets.  Local drivers will be able to exit their cars at the Orange Grove and Washington intersections as “Bicycle Boulevard” is still considered a regular residential street with on-street parking for cars and vehicular use.

Creating Pasadena’s Bicycle Boulevard, however, was the latest step in a neighborhood traffic management plan for Marengo Avenue established several years ago.  The goal was to create a low-traffic area that offers a pleasant cycling area.

This is only the second such “Bicycle Boulevard” in Los Angeles County.  The project was funded through a $500,000 grant from the California Department of Transportation’s “Bicycle Transportation Grant” program to cover the cost of signals, signs and road lane painting.

For more information, call (626) 744-7664 or email Jenny Cristales, Associate Transportation Planner at jcristales@cityofpasadena.net.

For more information about the City of Pasadena, go online to www.cityofpasadena.net.
*reprinted from the City of Pasadena website

Pasadena's First 'Bicycle Boulevard' Opens Jan. 31

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Honored to be named on of "The 50 Inspiring Leaders" in THE Magazine

In 2010, I participated in Leadership Pasadena's eight month training program though the support of The Pasadena Association of Realtors.  It was an amazing experience where I learned how our city is governed, its key decision-making entities and how city departments and organizations work together.  In addition, I met amazing professionals, many in LP's growing network of alumnae, participants in the program, and the leaders in our community who make a difference.  I grew personally and professionally and gained clarity into the person I want to be and into the life I want to lead.  It gave me the opportunity to step outside the box, time and time again, and to be inspired to make a difference in the lives I touch.

If you are interested in Leadership Pasadena, drop me a line or visit www.leadershippasadena.org.  Applications for 2014 are currently being considered.

Cynthia


Pasadena December 2012 Single Family Sales Trends

As you are aware, we have an inventory shortage AND Realtors have a surplus of qualified and motivated buyers ready to buy.  With the demand exceeding supply, we are experiencing shorter selling times, stronger offers with buyers taking on much more risk, and higher final sales prices in many areas. 

If you have been thinking about selling, or know someone who may be, the time to sell has never been better.  Between the historically low interest rates and the demand in housing, an opportunity exists in our marketplace. 

Any questions, or if you would like detailed data for your own neighborhood, drop us a line.