Explore Pasadena

        

Metro Gold Line Extends Beyond Pasadena

LA Metro recently added six new stations to the Gold Line. The addition spans from Pasadena to Azusa, adding 11 new miles to the line, and is great for venturing into (or from) the San Gabriel Valley. Before, you had no choice but to sit in traffic; now whiz past cars on the 210 freeway while being treated to breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Why Should I Visit Pasadena?

Pasadena is known for its prolific arts and culture scene, eye-catching architecture, and eclectic dining options. Most of the attractions are located within walking distance of the six Gold Line stations in the city.

DTLA to Pasadena by Train

It takes between 15 and 25 minutes to travel from Downtown Los Angeles to Pasadena, depending on where you detrain. In this article we will list the stations in order from south to northeast.

First stop, Fillmore Station

As soon as you exit the train you’ll come upon Geologica 42, a 40-foot public art sculpture made of steel and bronze (pictured above).

Walk one block west towards Raymond Avenue, once you get to Raymond, walk north (towards the right) to Jones Coffee Roasters. Jones is a local favorite that uses beans sustainably sourced from the owner’s Guatemalan coffee farm, the coffee shop often features live music and open mic nights.
Pie Life Pizza is next door to Jones Coffee Roasters. It’s a nondescript, take-away window serving some of the best pizza in town. Daily pizza-by-the-slice selections like pesto and heirloom tomatoes change based on what’s in season.

Walk south on Raymond Avenue to ArtCenter College of Design's South Campus. ArtCenter is a prestigious art school that is open to the public. Housed in re-purposed, modern buildings, the school serves as a cultural resource for the community and supports progressive art. Once here set your gaze towards the metallic architectural skyline and spot a hidden Green Roof covered by native plants. Make your way up the stairs and keep your eyes open for outdoor installations by Kenny Scharf. There is a massive exterior wall covered in graffiti art; and a student art gallery (Wind Tunnel Gallery) that was formerly a supersonic jet-testing facility — they also present lectures there.

Walk back towards Fillmore Station, heading north on Raymond Avenue, make a right at Fillmore Street, then left at Arroyo parkway. Arrive at Lucky Boy, located at 640 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105. They make an amazing breakfast burrito stuffed with cheese, potatoes, and a generous portion of bacon.

Alternatives include Pitfire Pizza; or if you’re feeling fancy there are two Pasadena institutions nearby, Parkway Grill featuring classic French dishes, and Arroyo Chop House which is a modern steakhouse.

Get back on the train and continue traveling north to the next stop, Del Mar Station.

Del Mar Station

Del Mar Station is a Spanish Revival style train depot built circa 1911; it served as a Santa Fe train depot that welcomed the arrival of celebrity legends like Will Rogers and Clark Gable as they made their way into Hollywood by way of Pasadena to avoid the hustle and bustle of Union Station. Today, the station has been re-purposed to house restaurants and bars including The Luggage Room Pizzeria (which occupies the station’s original luggage room), La Grande Orange Cafe, Sushi Kimagure, Otis Bar and Stone Company Store.

From Del Mar Station walk west to Raymond Avenue and you will immediately come upon Central Park, where twice a year (spring and fall) The Jackalope Art and Craft Fair sets up shop.

Continue walking north on Raymond Avenue and you’ll find yourself in the southern end of Old Pasadena. Arrive at the intersection of Green Street and Raymond Avenue, and take a coffee break at Cope Vida, it’s one of many great artisan coffee shops in town. Copa Vida offers brunch and lunch.

Across the street, cater-corner from Copa Vida, you’ll notice Castle Green, a meticulously restored historical monument. One of the oldest landmarks in L.A. County, Castle Green was an annex to Hotel Green, a lavish resort for Tinsletown’s elite that was demolished in the 1930s. Castle Green and the adjacent Wooster Block Building are the only standing remnants of the hotel. Today Castle Green is used frequently in films like The Sting. While Castle Green is currently a private residence and a special event venue, the stunning Moorish, Spanish and Victorian architecture can be toured once per year during the holidays.

Continue heading east on Green Street and you will stumble upon the Pasadena Convention Center; it is a campus style center that houses the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena Ice Skating Center, and Pasadena Visitors Center.

Directly across the street from the convention center, at Paseo Colorado, a dinner theater venue called The Rose presents intimate musical performances. Talent here ranges from nostalgic acts like The Motels, Wilson Phillips, and Smokey Robinson, to tribute bands and rock bands. The Rose is one of few dinner theater venues in Los Angeles. That style of entertainment is uncommon in this area.
For alternatives at Del Mar Station, try Flour + Tea or the Congregation Ale House. Flour + Tea was featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” and specializes in cakes, boba and poke. Congregation Ale House is directly across from Del Mar station on Raymond Avenue. Go there for craft beer and local brews. They also offer signature cocktails like Grapefruit Gimlet and Planters Punch.

Head back to Del Mar Station and take the train to the next top, Memorial Park Station.

Memorial Park Station

This is the most popular station; many of the city’s attractions are concentrated here. As you emerge onto street level, look towards your left (east) and you’ll see Pasadena City Hall in the distance. If you’ve seen the TV show, Parks and Recreation, you may recognize the building as “Pawnee City Hall.” The exteriors were filmed for the show. City Hall encompasses Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural styles, the structure features a six-story dome and cupola.

Visiting the legendary Rose Bowl Stadium is most convenient from Memorial Park Station. During most events a shuttle pick-up area is established two blocks away, at Parsons Corporation.

Some of the best shopping in town is just outside of this station. One block west (to the right), several independent boutiques line this stretch of Holly Street. Venture into Lula Mae, Homage, Therapy, Elisa B., and Maude Woods for souvenirs and keepsakes you will only find in Pasadena. One Colorado is another block in the same direction; it is an outdoor shopping district where you’ll find a well-curated collection of retailers, restaurants, a luxury movie theater experience; and a gorgeous courtyard where seasonal concerts and family events take place.

If you’re a fan of the Coastal California style, sophisticated boutiques like Mohawk General Store, Joie and Vince are within walking distance.

Each Sunday, the Old Pasadena Farmers Market pops up on Holly Street. During this event vehicle traffic is rerouted and visitors can walk along the street tasting organic produce grown in California, and can shop for artisanal products.

The station is named after Memorial Park which sits above the station. The park features a band shell in the center of the park, called Levitt Pavilion. Throughout the summer, visitors are treated to a series of 50 free concerts and everyone is encouraged to picnic.

Wine lovers take note. Across the street from Levitt Pavilion you will find Everson Royce, a wine and spirits shop that puts on weekly wine tastings. Everson Royce invites winemakers to personally present their wines at these tastings, and their knowledgeable staff is on hand to help you find great, small batch wines from all over the world.

Architecture enthusiasts can get an insider’s perspective on the history of Old Pasadena by taking the Old Pasadena Walking Tour. These tours are produced by Pasadena Heritage, a non-profit conservancy group dedicated to preserving and protecting Pasadena’s rich and storied past. On the tour, visit reclaimed alleyways, spot ghost signs, and learn about one of the nation’s most successful revitalizations. An expert docent leads the way; reservation and tickets are required.

There are so many restaurants in this neighborhood that it can be overwhelming for some people. There is literally something for every palate in Old Pasadena. If you are in the mood for a memorable dinner and great wine, make a reservation at Union Restaurant, it consistently ranks well on “Best Restaurants in LA” roundups. While the menu changes frequently, based on what’s in season, their culinary approach is consistent — a Californian interpretation on Northern Italian dishes. A couple dishes that are often on the menu are steelhead trout with orzo, sunchokes and maitake mushrooms; and Niman Ranch beef short ribs with salt pork, barley risotto and gremola.

Aficionados of the arts are also well represented here, Armory Center for the Arts, Norton Science Museum, The Gamble House, Pasadena Museum of History, Pasadena Museum of California Art, the Pasadena Central Library, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum are all easily accessible from this stop.

Head back to Memorial Park Station and get on the train continuing your trip in the northeast direction. There are two platforms at this station, use the platform on the right. Signs mounted on the trains will read Pasadena / Sierra Madre Villa or Asuza / Citrus.

Lake Station

At this point in the route, the train merges in between the 210 freeway and follows it to the end of the line. Lake Avenue Station is a short, five-block walk to the South Lake Avenue District and the Playhouse District.

South Lake Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. Those who enjoy retail therapy and pampering will spend a lot of time here. This charming, European-style boulevard is lined with beautiful trees and features several promenades for visitors to walk and shop. The shopping district is anchored by Macy’s and discount shopping chains Ross and TJ Maxx. Locals favor gems like Olive and June, a lovely neighborhood nail salon; Drybar, a blow-dry-only salon; SoulCycle, a spin studio with a cult following; and Sugarfish, offering high quality sushi.

Burlington Arcade, is modeled after London’s Burlington Arcade. Its whimsical indoor-outdoor setting and the creative retailers will leave you feeling inspired. Wander into Float, a unique sweets shop complete with a craft soda-based make-your-own float menu; Kimono No Kobe, a traditional Japanese Beauty Store; and Contessa Chocolate Collection, a gourmet chocolate and espresso bar.
South Lake Avenue offers dining options on the healthier side, like Real Food Daily, Lemonade, Abricott, Bengees Ice Cream Crafters (dairy-free). Fine dining options abound here too, like Celestino, SECO, Del Frisco's Grill, and Smitty's Grill.

Caltech, one of the world’s greatest research universities is located just blocks away, adding a collegiate flair to the neighborhood. Take a look at their public events calendar for performances like the Caltech Players’ Star Trek musical parody.

The Playhouse District is a commercial and residential neighborhood that surrounds its namesake, the Pasadena Playhouse — it is the city’s performing arts hub. The Pasadena Playhouse is the official state theater of California, and for good reason. The theater’s programming is quite incredible. They feature culturally diverse and innovative productions like Casa Valentina, A Night with Janice Joplin, Fly, and Real Women Have Curves. Complimentary behind-the-scene tours of the theater are available by appointment.

The Playhouse District is also home to Boston Court Performing Arts Center, Ice House Comedy Club, and Laemmle’s Playhouse 7.

Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookstore, Vroman’s Bookstore is a 7,000 square-foot treasure trove of handpicked literature and unique gifts. Special programming includes children’s story time, free summer jazz concerts, and public book signings by well-known authors.
The vibrant neighborhood is sprinkled with coffee bars like Urth Caffe, Le Muse Coffee & Wine, Next Chapter, and Zona Rosa; and a jazz bar called Red, White and Bluezz.

Return to Lake Station and travel to Allen Station.

Allen Station

This portion of the guide is great for the more curious traveler who likes to “do as the Romans do.” While this area is mostly residential, there are some real gems that most visitors will never come across.

Before we get started at Allen Station, if you need another coffee, Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters is popular with the locals, try their Vienna Latte with Hemp Milk.

Next, make your way to East Washington Village, an eclectic neighborhood in the northeastern end of Pasadena, home to a longstanding Armenian community. Board the Pasadena Transit Bus 687/686 (northbound) and travel for seven minutes to Washington Boulevard where you will get off the bus.
Pulitzer Prize winner and L.A. Times food critic, Jonathan Gold is partial to Garni Meat Market, a butcher shop where you can find for spicy chicken wings, pork kabobs and marinated quail — all grilled to order and served with house made dips; Armenian sandwich shop Torino serves crusty French bread stuffed with Lebanese sausage; and Aladdin Nuts is a quaint shop that offers a smorgasbord of flavored pistachios, almonds and hazelnuts.

Continue west on Washington Boulevard to Burrito Express, a Mexican restaurant that has been catering to locals since 1978; Connal’s is a family-owned burger joint; or my personal favorite, a sandwich deli called Lavender & Honey, which also happens to be one of the most Instagramed cafes in town.

When you’re ready for dessert, walk east for about a mile to Carmela. They serve artisan ice cream flavors like salted caramel, brown sugar vanilla bean and brown butter sage.

Sierra Madre Villa Station

This is the final stop on the Pasadena tour. Nature lovers will enjoy the urban hiking trails of Eaton Canyon, a 190-acre nature preserve featuring equestrian trails, seasonal streams and a cascading waterfall. Stop by the Eaton Canyon Nature Center and grab maps of the hiking trails. On Saturdays at 9 AM, folks meet at the nature center for a guided family hike that’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

If hiking is not your thing, around the corner from Sierra Madre Villa Station you will find A Noise Within, a repertory theater housed in a beautiful mid-century modern venue where a rotating company performs classic theatrical productions like Romeo and Juliet and All My Sons. Across the street from A Noise Within, you will find a chain Mexican restaurant called El Torito which is credited for popularizing the margarita and enchiladas in the United States.

10 Inexpensive Fixes To Increase The Value Of Your Home

Looking for ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank? Whether you're getting ready to sell your home or want to update it inexpensively for your own enjoyment, we've got 10 good strategies for you to consider.

1. Make your kitchen really cook

The kitchen is still considered the heart of the home. Potential home buyers make a beeline for this room when they first view a home for sale, so make sure your kitchen looks clean and reasonably updated.

For a few hundred dollars, you can replace the kitchen faucet set, add new cabinet door handles and update old lighting fixtures with brighter, more energy-efficient ones.

If you've got a slightly larger budget, you can give the cabinets themselves a makeover. Many companies can remove cabinet doors and drawers, refinish the cabinet boxes, then add brand-new doors and drawers. With a fresh coat of paint over the whole set, your cabinets will look like new.
If you're handy, you can even order your own replacement cabinet doors and door fronts from retailers like Lowe's Home Improvement or The Home Depot and install them yourself.

2. Give appliances a facelift

One of the simplest upgrades that can be performed is the installation of new hardware such as towel racks, cabinet handles, and other wall-mounted hardware. If your kitchen appliances don't match, order new doors or face panels for them. Fun fact, many dishwasher panels are white on one side and black on the other. All you have to do is unscrew two screws, slide out the panel and flip it around. A more cohesive-looking kitchen makes a big difference in the buyer's mind -- and in the home's resale price.

3. Buff up the bath

Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are often the most important rooms to update. They, too, can be improved without a lot of cash. Even simple things like a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are pretty easy for homeowners to install, and they make a big difference in the look of the bath.

Replacing an old, discolored bathroom floor with easy-to-apply vinyl tiles or a small piece of sheet vinyl is another great idea. You may not even need to take up the old floor. You can install the new floor right over the old one.

If your tub and shower are looking dingy, consider re-grouting the tile and replacing any chipped tiles. A more complete cover-up is a prefabricated tub and shower surround. These one-piece units may require professional installation but can still be cheaper than paying to re-tile walls and refinish a worn tub.

4. Step up your storage

 

Old houses, particularly, are notorious for their lack of closet space. If you have cramped storage areas, add do-it-yourself wire and laminate closet systems to bedrooms, pantries and entry closets.Firms like ClosetMaid allow you to measure and redesign your closets online. You can also get design details and parts for these systems at many large home-improvement stores. Most closets can be updated in a weekend or less.

In the end, your closets will be more functional while you're living in the house and will make your home look more customized to potential buyers when you're ready to sell.

5. Add a room in a week or less

If you have a three-bedroom house with a den, the only reason the den can't be considered a bedroom may be because it doesn't have a closet. If you add a closet to that room, you've now got a four-bedroom house. That adds a lot of value.

It's usually possible to add a custom closet system and drywall it in for less than $1,500.

6. Mind the mechanics

Spending a few bucks on nitty-gritty stuff. It's often very worthwhile to hire an electrician and plumber for a couple of hours to look over your electrical services, wrap or fix loose wires, fix any faulty outlets, and check for and fix any water leaks. Those details tell a buyer that someone has really taken care of the home and can really influence its price.

7. Look underfoot

Carpeting is another detail that can quickly update a home and make it look cleaner. A professional carpet cleaning is an inexpensive investment, especially if your rugs are in good shape and are neutral colors.

If your carpet is showing serious wear, cover it with inexpensive, strategically placed area rugs. Unless it is truly hideous, replacing wall-to-wall carpeting right before you sell your house is not usually recommended. The new homeowners may want to choose their own carpeting after they move in.

8. Let there be light

If you have boring recessed lights in your dining and living rooms, consider replacing one of the room's lights with an eye-catching chandelier. Home stores offer a wide range of inexpensive, but nice-looking, ceiling fixtures these days. If you have a ceiling fan and light, you can also buy replacement fan blades (leaving the fan body in place) to update the fixture's look.

9. Reframe your entry

Do you have a flimsy little knob on your main entry door? If so, spring for a substantial-looking handle-and-lock set. A nice, big piece of hardware on the front door signals to newcomers that this is a solid home.

Also, if you're stuck with a basic steel front door, paint or faux-finish it for more eye appeal. It's becoming a trend in some regions to add wood-grain doors to a home's entry or garage. The good news, though, is that you can easily paint existing metal doors with stain and paint.

10. Consider curb appeal

Although it sounds obvious, a nicely mowed lawn, a few well-placed shrubs and a swept walkway makes a great first impression. What buyers see when they first drive by your home is tremendously important.

If you don't have a green thumb, consider hiring a landscaper to install some new sod, plant a few evergreen shrubs and give your front yard a good cleanup. These kinds of changes can instantly change people's perception of your home and, therefore, increase its value. And hey, your neighbors will love you for it, too.

While the actual cost and payback for each project can vary, depending on both your home's condition and the overall real estate market values in your region, these simple upgrades can easily add thousands of dollars to your home's value. For more information on what you can and should upgrade around your home, contact your local handyman or your favorites realtors!

5 Location Characteristics To Look For When Buying A Home

Ask just about any real estate agent to list the three most important things a property should have, and you’ll likely hear: “location, location, location.” But why does location matter so much? For starters, you can’t move a home — at least not easily or inexpensively. When you buy a home in a good location, it’s usually a solid long-term investment.

Real estate agents often advise their clients to buy the worst house — a property that could use some TLC — on the best block. Why? Because fixing up a home in a great neighborhood will give you the best return on your investment. Quite simply, it will be easier to sell later on. Conversely, you can buy a beautiful home that doesn’t need any work. But if the block is sketchy or just plain bad, you could have a hard time selling the property at a decent price.

So if “location, location, location” is so important, what makes a location good? Here are five characteristics to look for when buying a home. If you can get all five, chances are the home’s a great investment.

1. A safe neighborhood

People want to live where there’s little or no crime. Naturally, they want to feel safe in their homes and will pay extra for it. A safe neighborhood means people will feel free to walk around, be outdoors and interact with their neighbors. Communities still exist today where people don’t lock their doors, and they know their neighbors are there for them in a pinch.

2. Good schools

Being in a good school district is important, even if you don’t have school-age kids and never plan to have any. Fact is, young families always will be buying their first or second homes. They will do their home search based on location in general and good school districts in particular. The better the school district, the higher the values of the surrounding homes can be.

3. Convenient access to popular places, shops and restaurants

Everyone wants to be near the best commercial districts. The closer to the best parts of a city, the better the location — and the more someone is willing to pay for a home. In beach communities, the closer to the beach, the more valuable the property.

 4. Water access and views

No matter which town or city, someone will always pay for a great view or to be on or near the water. Put a home right on a waterway or on a hill with panoramic views and you’ve got a great location.

5. Access to public transit and/or freeways

In major cities, the farther you live from the bus, subway or other types of mass transit, the less valuable the home. A good location means being very close, and having easy access, to public transportation. Being near a train or bus can get you anywhere in a short amount of time. In some towns, where a commute by car is inevitable, easy access to the freeway makes for a good location. Adding 20 minutes to a commute just to get to the freeway never helps a location.

How can you choose the right community? Become a neighborhood detective. Figure out what you're looking for, do research and find a neighborhood that fits your description.

8 Misconceptions about Home Staging

Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale. This takes on several different elements to ensure that the home is warm and inviting, has optimal flow and the features of the property are highlighted, allowing buyers to develop an emotional attachment. As a result, stagers address many elements, such as paint colour, room function, furniture layout, de-cluttering, organizing, accessorizing and of course, curb appeal. They also address the condition of the property, such as broken doors and door handles, unfinished trim, damaged counter tops, mismatched lights, etc. In other words….there is a lot that is involved in staging. Home staging is the best tool available to market your home and allow it to be positively memorable to buyers and therefore, sell faster and for more money. 

 

 

Here are 8 Misconceptions about Home Staging:

#1: Home Staging Is Expensive.

As mentioned already, there are many different areas addressed with staging. Therefore, the price varies quite a bit. It can start with the consultation fee where you will receive a detailed room by room assessment detailing exactly what needs or should be taken care of before listing your home. The price can go up if you choose to have a staging company take care of painting, minor renovations, cleaning, junk removal, etc. However, certain companies emphasize low cost recommendations and cost-effective solutions that will gain the best return on your investment. And don’t forget that this is a small investment in your home to ensure that you are protecting the equity in your home and increasing the potential for profit.

#2: Other houses sell without home staging.

This is absolutely true. Houses can and do sell without staging…eventually. However, those sellers may have missed out on the opportunity to sell faster and for more money. It is very important to remember that when a buyer makes an offer, they will deduct money based on items that they feel they will need to address in order to improve the condition of the home. These deductions will always cost you more than if you take care of them prior to putting your home up for sale.

#3: Buyers can make changes that they want themselves.

Of course, they can and this is one of the biggest mistakes that a seller can make. Think of it this way. Would you prefer to remove the wallpaper in the living room and paint it a neutral color for about $100 and one weekend of your time or would you prefer to take about $1000 off the sale price of your home? Which option makes more financial sense? As much as you may not want to do that work, buyers don’t want to do that work either. Especially if there is another home available that is “move in ready”. Find a company that makes changes that will create the most appeal to the largest number of potential buyers as well as justify the asking price.

#4: Staging is just for vacant houses.

Yep, vacant houses need to be staged. But so does yours! Let’s just say for example that you put your house up for sale without staging. Then a vacant house in the neighborhood goes up sale and has been staged. Which house do you think will look better in the online photos, draw a larger group of prospective buyers to view the property and create more interest for offers?
The fact is your house is competing with all other homes in your area and price range vacant or not. You want your home to stand out above all of the rest. Your goal is to sell fast and get the most money that you can. Staging is a fantastic marketing tool that can help you achieve these goals.

#5: I don’t need staging because I’ve already tidied up and organized my stuff.

Organizing and cleaning are definitely a part of staging, however, only a small part. A staging company is able to help walk you through all areas of staging and ensure that nothing is overlooked or forgotten. They position themselves as the neutral third party that looks at your home from the “buyers eyes”. As we live in a house for many years, we begin to not see things like a door handle that does work properly, the door that sticks, the piece of furniture that blocks the walkway in a room, etc. A staging company will have a strategic approach when evaluating exactly what needs to be addressed, what colors will work in certain rooms, what features need to highlighted (or minimized) and how all of this can be achieved.

#6: Staging is just a trend.

Well, staging is still a fairly new concept in the grand scheme of things. The notion of staging began about 25 years ago. It started with just a few savvy individuals seeing potential in sprucing up homes to make them look their best prior to putting them up for sale. These people were simply interested in protecting their investment and the value of their home. Today, home staging has gained the attention of a countless number of real estate agents, home sellers and media (all of those TV shows focused on the need for staging). Real estate has seen many changes over the years such as the need for home inspections, marketing via the internet (namely MLS), marketing via social media and staging, to just name a few. Staging is not a trend. It is quickly becoming an essential part of the home selling process, just as marketing on MLS has. Buyers watch HGTV, they read the design magazines and that’s what they want. A home that looks like it belongs on the cover of a magazine…..they want the dream!

#7: No one will care if my closets and cupboards are messy.

Actually, messy closets, cupboards and storage spaces give the impression that there just isn’t enough storage space. Buyers will open cupboards and closet doors. They want to see that everything is in working order and they want to get a good sense of whether or not all their stuff will fit. By making sure that everything is neat and organized, you are showing buyers that not only is there plenty of storage space, but they too can live the dream of an organized life in this house. And the best part is that this part of staging is free! Why wouldn’t you do this??

#8: Anyone can stage a home, after all, it’s just decorating.

This is probably the biggest misconception. As mentioned throughout this article, staging engages many different facets. Stagers must make suggestions that are based on real estate, not design. In others words, suggestions are fueled by who the target market is, the location of the home, the price point and market conditions. In preparing your home for sale, a staging company takes all of these items into consideration along with color, lighting, flow, use of rooms, etc. They strategically create a plan to allow your home to stand out above the competition. While there is definitely a creative design element to staging, there is also a logical and strategic plan that must be implemented. The way you live in a house and the way you sell a house are very different. Home staging does not hide flaws or mislead buyers about the overall condition of the home. It highlights the positives. A stager's goals are the same as your goals – sell fast and sell for the best price possible.

If you are looking to stage your home, please contact us for recommendations. We have worked with some of the best stagers in the area and we are always happy to help!

What Is The Big Deal About Curb Appeal?

You know how they say first impressions last? Or how you will never get a second chance to make a first impression? This is true of your house as you’re trying to sell it too. If you are expecting a buyer to make an offer on your property, it’s important to make sure it looks worth the asking price. You can even increase your home's value with just a few aesthetic tweaks. And these can be the difference, especially in a competitive seller’s market. Check out some information below on what buyers see as “curb appeal” and how to get it.

Affordable Changes 

You can use a hose or a power washer to get rid of excess dirt on the sidewalk, driveway, deck, walkway and exterior of your home. You may want to dress up your front door with a blast of color, a wreath or a doormat to make it more inviting. You may want to consider adding fresh molding to the sides and top of the doorway and polishing or replacing the door’s hardware.

 

Adding shutters and trims can be a nice touch without breaking the bank. Their added bonus is that they control light and ventilation all while providing extra security. You can also address the mailbox at this time, ensuring it matches the home’s look. Either update yours with flowers and plants, or replace the current one with a sturdy and attractive option.

To improve the yard, it can be a good idea to start by cutting back trees and bushes that obstruct the view of your home’s best features. You also may want to prune your garden and pull weeds. You can focus on the lawn and any deck or patio area. Container gardens can add welcoming and colorful infusions and are available for purchase ready-made from garden centers.

Changes Worth the Investment

While those low-cost changes can make a real difference, you can also consider making a bigger change if your budget allows. You can install effective and attractive outdoor lighting or replace shoddy fixtures. Newer models often have indoor time control.

When it comes to the garden, there are plenty of options: from renewing planter beds and upgrading old borders to stone or cast-concrete systems to planting new vegetation or flowers as part of a landscaping overhaul. You may even consider adding arbors, garden gates, or decorative fence panel sections and painting or staining them to colors that align with the home.

Speaking of paint, redoing your whole exterior may seem like a serious project but it can make your home look a lot fresher. It’s a good idea to also consider replacing broken gutters and edging the driveway if you haven’t in a while.

 

While curb appeal isn’t always as easy to measure as other factors like square footage or number of bedrooms, it still can play an important role in the home sale process. It’s a good idea to take some time to focus on increasing your property’s curb appeal at whatever levels you can afford. Then, watch the dramatic difference these can make on both your property’s appearance and value.

As you sell your house, don’t overspend to increase curb appeal. Consult with your listing agent on what makes the most sense for your neighborhood and housing market.

NEW LISTING - Rustic Hipster Craftsman in Highland Park

6252 Mount Angelus, Los Angeles 90042

Perched in the historic and highly sought after Mount Angelus neighborhood of hip and trendy Highland Park, this completely renovated 3 bedroom/2 bath Craftsman retreat has the vibe coveted by today's discerning LA home buyer. The rustic and cabin-like interior with cathedral cedar ceilings and hardwood flooring creates a warm and airy open space, perfect for entertaining. The chef's kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances, an island, custom cabinetry, beautiful granite counter tops and opens to the living and dining areas. There are two large unfinished areas under the home which are currently being used for storage, a workshop, laundry area, and workout space. Additional upgrades include; forced heat and central A/C, ceiling fans, sky lights, dual pane windows, updated electrical, tankless water heater, bolted foundation, front porch, fenced grassy back yard, front & back patio areas, and new siding. Amazing central location close to award winning restaurants, shopping, DTLA, transportation, and schools.

Square Footage: 872 (per assessor)
Lot Size: 4,085 (per assessor)
Price offered: $599,000

Open House Sunday, January 31st, 2-4pm
Broker's Open House: Thursday, February 4th, 10am-2pm
Open House: Sunday, February, 7th, 1-3pm

www.6252MountAngelus.com
 
Contact us for a private showing!
626.818.2577 or 626.808.1817

1st Quarter "Networking for a Cause" Business Mixer

Excited to announce our 1st Quarter Networking for a Cause Business Mixer! We have teamed up with Heather Backstrom and Haydel Biel & Associates to raise community awareness and money for the Bad Weather Shelter, a weather activated homeless shelter in Pasadena run by Friends in Deed. The event is at the Courtyard by Marriott on Feb 18th from 5:30pm-9:00pm. Thanks to our sponsors Citizens Business Bank, Waleed Delawari/Delaware Pacific, First Priority/John Thompson, Kevin Moore & Associates, and the Misplaced Priorities!

September Inventory for Pasadena Increases 21%

September inventory for Pasadena single family homes has increased 21% over same period last year.  With the increase in inventory, buyer's have more choice and as a result, sales have increased 28%.  Prices remain stable both in the price per square foot AND in median sales price.  Opportunities exist for both buyer's AND seller's at this time.  Buyer's will find that they have more properties to evaluate, and seller's will find that buyer's remain optimistic.  

If you are thinking about making a home purchase, the holidays are historically the absolute BEST time, and if you are a seller contemplating selling, NOW is the time to evaluate the value of your home and devise a plan which will help you reach your goals.  

Please give us a call if you would like a no obligation market analysis on your home.  

Mark & Cynthia

626-818-2577

 

NEW TRIPLEX LISTING!

NEW TRIPLEX LISTING! $849,000
8810-8814 Elm Avenue, Temple City
  
Located in Temple City, this triplex is a great opportunity to own investment property in the heart of the San Gabriel Valley. On the border between Temple City and San Gabriel, the location is ideally suited for proximity to shopping and major thoroughfares. Each unit is 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. Two of the units are attached and the third, detached, is in the rear. San Gabriel schools.

Triplex Square Footage:  2,774 (per assessor)
Lot Square Footage:  9,784 (per assessor)
Year Built:  1945

www.8810ElmAvenue.com 

Drive by Only. Do Not Disturb Tenants. Offers are subject to inspection.

Pasadena Homes Price Up 10%

Home prices are up 10% May 2015 over May 2014. Single family homes are averaging $544.00 a square foot! If you know of anyone who may be thinking about selling OR interested in knowing how the increase in values has positively impacted their home, let us know. We would love to share the great news!

Pasadena Home Values UP 28%

Mark & Cynthia's "Networking for a Cause" Mixer a Success!

Mark & Cynthia Cohn brought over 75 of Pasadena's BEST professionals together last night to network AND raise money for Learning Works Charter School. Naomi Farley with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage was their co-sponsor and a/k/a An American Bistro provided a beautiful venue and complimentary appetizers. Thanks to all who attended & donated and made the evening a smashing success!

The mixer offers a quality opportunity to Pasadena's BEST professionals to network and build community and ultimately allowing the attendees to meet, collaborate, and drive business to one another.  Since Mark & Cynthia's practice niche focuses on representing trusted advisors (bankers, attorneys, CPA's, financial planners, and consultants) and their clientele, the relationships they foster with professionals in the Pasadena area, allows them to deepen the network their clients most often need as they navigate through life.  

 

Mark & Cynthia's "Networking for a Cause" 1st Quarter Mixer 3/4/15

Excited for our 1st Quarter "Networking for a Cause" Business Mixer on Wednesday, March 4th. Naomi Farley with Wells Fargo Private Mortgage Bank will be co-sponsoring with us and the mixer will be located at AKA An American Bistro from 5:30pm-7:30pm. We'll be networking with Pasadena's top trusted advisors and raising money for Learning Works Charter School located in Pasadena.

Home Values Continue to Rise

In the 4^th quarter 2014, the market activity in Pasadena averaged 180 homes for sale per month with 70 homes sold per month.  These figures represent an increase in the active inventory by 11%, and a 1% increase in homes sold.  There were 2.6 months of inventory, and the average price per square foot was $495.00.  This means an increase of 11% in property values in the 4^th quarter of 2014 vs. the values in the 4^th quarter of 2013 – very good news for our community.  If you are contemplating a move, or simply want to know the value of your property, please give us a call! 

Mark & Cynthia  

Safety First When Selling Your Home

When selling your home, there are several steps you can take to safeguard yourself, your family, and your valuables. 

Cynthia Installed as Board Director (2nd Term) for the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors

I am am thrilled to be volunteering my time in 2015 as a Board Director (2nd term) for the Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors. We have an amazing board of dedicated Realtors and Affiliates lead by President Todd Hayes! We are going to have a great year!