Our Local Preferred Partners

Not only are we committed to working our business by referral, we are committed to getting to know some of the best business partners in Pasadena. We make these relationships a priority in our business because we know how important it is to know and to be able to confidently refer vetted leading professionals to our friends, neighbors, and clients. 

On average, we make approximately 45 outgoing referrals a month. In addition to making the referrals, we meet with 4-5 business professionals a week over coffee or lunch and are members of the Tournament of Roses, Pasadena Rotary, and leading networking group - Provisors.  We even host our own Business Networking Mixers quarterly. We use these networking opportunities to meet and vet new professionals in our community allowing us to build and strengthen our network FOR YOU.

Last evening, we co-hosted our Summer Business Networking Mixer with David Hicok with MetLife which attracted about 40 of our preferred business partners. We are proud to have built a community where business owners can grow, share referrals and uncover ways to collaborate.

If you ever find you are in the need of a great referral such as a termite company, dentist, chimney contractor, financial planner, banker, attorney, lender, painter, personal trainer, webmaster, handyman, personal coach, accountant etc., please give us a call first. We are sure to have some fabulous referrals for you.

Summer Business Network Mixer, 6/12/12

Co-Hosts:  Mark & Cynthia Cohn with David Hicok, ChFP MetLife

Tap into our Network

Since 2005, we have been blessed to have the opportunity to be coached by one of the leading real estate coaching companies in North America - Buffini & Company.  One of the most valuable benefits of our coaching experience has been the opportunity of meeting and getting to know some of Buffini's best Realtors who are working in cities across our nation. We know that the relationships we forge with out-of-area Realtors, who work their business like we do (by referral), will allow us to connect our Pasadena network of friends, family, and preferred vendors to quality real estate professionals should they be relocating out of the area, purchasing investment property, or a vacation home.

Just last quarter, a friend called looking for a quality real estate referral in Las Vegas. We've vetted several agents in Vegas and were able to send her sister to someone we knew would have her best interest in mind, and who was relationally driven.  So not to our surprise, her sister was able to get her home sold and closed escrow within 30 days and was thrilled with the service she received from our referral.

So please give us a call if you ever need an out-of-area referral.  We will ensure that you are connected to the best of the best, someone who invests in their business and in themselves, and like us, someone who has committed to working their business by referral.

LOOKING TO TAKE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

THEN LEADERSHIP PASADENA IS FOR YOU!

Leadership Pasadena is now recruiting for its annual leadership training program beginning September 2012.  This 8-month program provides professionally facilitated, interactive, leadership skills training, an in-depth understanding of community issues, and the relationship building vital to effective civic engagement. Tuition includes a networking reception, weekend team building retreat, catered monthly on-site sessions with government, business and community leaders, and collaboration on a community project. Graduates become members of the alumni network. Applicants should live, work or volunteer in greater Pasadena. Employers are encouraged to sponsor participants through their training and development budgets. Application and information available at www.leadershippasadena.org or at 626-577-2296. Early decision deadline – June 15, 2012. Apply now.

Current Stats for Pasadena, CA (SFR)

Great news for Pasadena!  The median price of $676,000 for April 2012 is at the highest it has been since February of 2008.  Perhaps this is the direct result of the limited inventory which is down about 40%.  Additionally for April 2012, we have seen April sales (year over year), increase about 38% and the number of pending sales increase about 23%.  Also interesting is the fact that the average price per square foot (what everyone seems to use as a gauge these days) is up 26% (April 2012 compared to April 2011).  We also only have about 2.5 months of inventory right now, which is a decrease of about 57% from last year same time.

Over a five year period, comparing April 2012 sales to April 2007 sales, the number of homes for sale is down 53%.  The number of homes sold has remained flat and we actually have seen 10% more homes pending this April than April 2007.

So what do these facts coupled with the low interest rates mean to you?  If you have any equity in your home, and have been wanting to scale down, up, or over, the window of opportunity is now!  You will sell your home faster, have a larger pool of qualified buyers than another other time, and will get a fair and excellent price for your home.

Drop us a line if you would like us to complete a market analysis on your home.  You might be quite surprised on the current value of your home.

PUSD Expands Cutting Edge Academic Programs into Northwest Pasadena and Altadena

Pasadena Unified School District

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release April 18, 2012
Contact: Adam Wolfson
(626) 396-3606


Washington Middle to become a STEM Magnet; Spanish Immersion Expands to Jackson Elementary

Pasadena, CA – Making good on the promise of the Pasadena Unified School District’s (PUSD) Strategic Plan promise to deliver academically rigorous and innovative programs to all students, the PUSD Board of Education Tuesday discussed proposals to bring a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) magnet and a successful dual language immersion program to the Northwest neighborhoods of the district. The highly popular Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program will expand to a second campus with the addition of a kindergarten class at Jackson Elementary School in Altadena in 2012-2013 and Washington Middle School in Pasadena will convert to a STEM magnet school of choice in 2013-2014.

“Locating rigorous and innovative programs such as dual language and STEM in the Northwest communities articulates our high expectations of achievement for all students,” said Superintendent Jon R. Gundry. “Both build 21st century skills, help close the achievement gap between groups of students, and put the priorities and values of this district’s strategic plan into action.”

Washington Middle School will convert to a wall-to-wall magnet school in 2013-2014 and offer project-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for students in grades six, seven, and eight. The conversion is designed to prepare middle school students with 21st century skills and build their capacity for advanced STEM studies in high school, college, and beyond. The STEM magnet is also intended to develop a pipeline for the College & Career Pathways programs at district high schools. 2012-2013 will be a planning year to develop partnerships that tap into the Pasadena area’s scientific and engineering resources, systems for greater engagement by families, and professional development for faculty and staff. Admission to the STEM academy will be by application, and any student entering grades 6-8 can apply. Parents and students will be asked for a firm commitment to support the schools’ mission.

Chief Academic Officer Brian McDonald, Ed.D., has been meeting with middle school students as part of developing the proposal. “The kids asked for academies that cater to their interests and prepare them to make choices later in their academic careers,” said Dr. McDonald. “Engaging middle school age students and listening to their desires for a meaningful learning experience is key to their academic success.”

Since its inception in 2009, the Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program at San Rafael Elementary has successfully built the bilingual and biliteracy skills of both native English and Spanish speaking students. The program at Jackson Elementary will open in Fall 2012 beginning with a kindergarten class and expand by one grade each year. Families interested in applying can contact Jackson Elementary or the PUSD Welcome Center at 626-396-3600 x88340.

The goal of the program is to develop academic proficiency in both languages beginning in kindergarten. Currently, the instructional model dictates that 90 percent of instruction in kindergarten is in Spanish and 10 percent in English. With each subsequent year, Spanish instruction is reduced and English instruction is increased in equal amounts. By design, equal amounts of native English and Spanish speaking students are enrolled in each class.

English learners in dual language immersion programs have an opportunity to make faster than average progress on grade-level instruction that is not watered down. Native English speakers who are already learning at grade level can exceed the achievement of their monolingually educated peers. Through the cognitive stimulus of schooling in two languages, which leads to enhanced creativity and analytical thinking, native English speakers who are lagging behind academically receive the accelerated instruction necessary to close the achievement gap. Research indicates that there are lower high school drop-out rates for English learners enrolled in dual language programs as well as increased an interest in attending colleges and universities. As students promote to middle school, they will be poised to earn credits toward being awarded the California Seal of Biliteracy on their high school diploma.

What inspires you?

Last Friday, I had the honor of attending the MOSTe (Motivating Our Students Through Experience) 12th Annual Lanterns Award Luncheon at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.  The mission of MOSTe is to empower girls from under served areas of Los Angeles County to become the next generation of college educated women, preparing them for professional careers & positions of leadership within their communities.  Girls participating in the program attend area middle and high schools, including Wilson Middle School and Pasadena High School in the Pasadena Unified School District.

I was inspired to attend from an invitation from my friend Renee Cartaya, an extraordinary MOSTe mentor and leader.  Renee currently mentors two young women and I was curious to learn more about the fabulous organization, meet her girls, and gain a better understanding of what inspires her.  

The luncheon has been designed as a fundraising event honoring women role models and I was inspired by one of the honorees Dr. Kathy Magliato.

Here are Kathy's words of wisdom to the girls attending the luncheon:

Failure - Do not quit.  Be persistent.  Let failure motivate you.
Roots & Wings - Give your children roots - teaching them kindness, empowerment, care.  Give your children wings - encourage them giving them big beautiful wings to fly. What would you do if you knew you could not fail? 
Drink from the hose - Devour information, embrace it, go out and get overwhelmed and learn at an accelerated pace.
Dwell in the house of YES!  - Find people who will say yes to your ideas and to you.  Find others that will support you.
Motivation - Time is a precious gift.  Your life is measured in breaths so spend your time wisely.

It was an honor to have the opportunity to attend the luncheon. MOSTe is doing important work in our community with our young women and their reach goes farther than they know. If you are involved with a local non-profit working with our youth, please share your experience.  It may inspire one of our readers...and that would be a good thing.

Cynthia

The Truth about Pasadena Real Estate Market

Wondering what is going on with the Pasadena real estate market? There are some interesting trends surfacing and opportunities are plentiful.

At the beginning of every month, we make a point to analyze the closed and pending sales data. We like to compare it to the month previous and also compare the entire quarter to the same quarter the year before. While we are deep in the trenches daily (yes, you know that our job requires our attention almost 24/7), we like to compare how we feel things are going in the real estate market to the historical data. This allows us to uncover trends and communicate these trends, truths, and opportunities to our clients, friends, and preferred business partners.

So, where is the market now that we just closed out the first quarter of 2012? One of the trends that we are experiencing right now is a lack of inventory. In fact, March 2012 single family home inventory in Pasadena is down 40% compared to the same time last year. This significant decrease, coupled with an increase in pending sales (Feb 2012 to March 2012) of over 47%, is leaving many potential buyers frustrated with the condition of the market. Buyers know that right now is the window to purchase a home, and with historically low interest rates, reasonable sellers, and lower home prices, they want to act now.

Thankfully, we are seeing the expected increase month-over-month (since the slow holiday season) in pending sales and in sold single family homes. In fact, the pending home sales for March 2012 is the highest it has been (104 homes) since January 2011. So, sales are going in the right direction - exactly where we expect it go.

Although the median price is down 12% first quarter of 2012 compared to the same time last year, there are some bright spots when you are looking at actually pricing. The segment of 3 bedroom homes is the only segment that has seen an increase in average price. Though this group of homes experienced fewer sales, these homes are flying off the market - perhaps contributing to the price increase. Additionally, the only group over homes which grew in number of sales first quarter of 2012 compared to the same time last year is the 5+ bedroom segment. And guess what? This segment of homes had an over $400,000 decrease in average sales price, perhaps due to the jumbo loan market and growing number of financially stretched homeowners.  But whatever the reason, there are currently some terrific deals in the luxury home market right now.

The fact of the matter is that homes with integrity, that have been loved, are located in desirable neighborhoods and that meet many of the buyers demanding desires, are still garnering great prices. So you see, to sum up the market right now, we know it is an excellent time to sell (low inventory, large buyer pool, cheap money) AND a great time to buy (great mortgage rates, lower homes prices, phenomenal area values).

QUICK STATS for March 2012 Pasadena single family sales: 

• 231 homes for sale 
• 104 pending homes 
• 69 closed sales 
• $358.00 average price per square foot 
• $790,000 average sales price
• $527,500 median sales price 
• 82 average days on market 
• 3.3 months of inventory 
• 94% original to final sales price 

We invite you to call us or send us your questions or feedback. It is important that we all stay informed, since for many of us our home is not only our largest asset, but the place where we put down roots and create memories for our families. If you have dreamt about another home, but thought that you would wade this market out, you will be missing a terrific opportunity. There is a sale going on right now, a home sale, and who better to take advantage of it than you?

Cynthia

Sales data courtesy of TrendVision.

Get Your Financial House in Order

I have something on my mind, and chances are it involves you, if you are a parent.

Are you aware that if something were to happen to you and your partner, and you do not have a will with an appointed guardian for your minor children or dependents with special needs, the state will appoint one for you?   Without the will, you grant strangers or other family members the opportunity to decide what is best for your children.  We all know that deciding who should be legal guardian of your children is a difficult one.  And we all know that taking the steps to complete your will, trust, durable power of attorney and advanced medical directives is a "to do" item that frequently gets pushed to the bottom of the list. 

Typically, we go through life believing that misfortune happens to everyone else, right?  But the truth of the matter is that we are all subject to the same curve balls life seems to throw around.   And right now, they seem like they are flying, don't they?  Imagine if a family you knew lost both the mother and father leaving behind minor children. The couple had no will and no trust,  so the estate goes through probate and legal guardianship of the minors is left to the decision of the courts.  Think about it...

So you see, this is serious.  If you do not have a will, advanced directives, or a living trust, it is time for you to get your financial house in order.   Time for you to step up, take responsibility, and make these decisions for your family and your children, now.  Being prepared is a gift that you give to your loved ones and who better knows what is best for your family, than you?

So, here is what you need:

1.  Durable power of attorney - authorizes someone else to act on your behalf
2.  Advanced medical directives - allows someone to make medical decisions for you or treatment you want
3.  Will - disburses property to heirs, names executor of your estate and legal guardian of your children 
4.  Letter of instruction - informal document used to express your thoughts regarding what is in the will
5.  Living Trust - allows your estate to avoid probate

Luckily we work with many preferred business partners.  To help you get your financial house in order, we suggest calling Angela Hawkeotte or Boyd Hudson with Adams, Hawekotte & Hudson at 626-583-8000 OR Vanessa Terzian with The Law Offices of Vanessa M. Terzian at 818-864-6174.

You'll be glad you made the call and relieved that you finally have your financial house in order.
 
Cynthia

An Evening on the Town

When we sold our house last October, we ended up in temporary housing as waited for the new house to close escrow and work to be completed.  After reviewing our temporary housing options, we landed in an Oakwood apartment at the Pasadena Gateway Villas located at Locust and Lake Avenue.  The real upside of turning our lives upside down for two months was that we were able to enjoy Pasadena’s urban life style.  And enjoy it, we did!

At the end of our stay, I arranged a pub crawl, which was an idea I stole from our good friends Alfred and Robyn Navarro.  If you are looking to organize a fun evening in the near future, follow our lead.  You’ll have a terrific time and all within just a few miles of your home.

The evening began at the apartment where we all met.  Since we were living only steps from the Lake Avenue Metro Gold Line, we took the Metro to the Del Mar Station.  We started at the Luggage Room Pizzeria for cocktails and pizzas, which were heavenly.  The main idea for the evening was to stop briefly at several predetermined restaurants and bars (walking to them all) to enjoy an appetizer, a drink, and hopefully lots of laughs.

Next, we headed around the corner to the Congregation Ale House on Del Mar Boulevard.   I have always loved this piece of real estate, and the owners have done a fantastic job with the decor and menu (their now 3^rd location).   There are hundreds of brews to choose from and a delicious menu which seemed to satisfy everyone.

We then headed up to Green Street where we made a last stop at the Dog Haus Biergarten, now its second location in Pasadena (there is a theme here, have you noticed?).  We found a few open tables inside, ordered drinks, and soon realized that a band was performing for the evening.  I really don't think I could have planned the evening any better since it just happened to be the evening the Past Action Heroes were playing.  Ever heard of them?  They play primarily 80's cover music, and they are a lively group!  So much fun in fact, that most would have preferred to close down the place if it wasn’t for the fact that we had a hand full of kids back at the apartment and a babysitter to get home.

So, the evening was a success!   A group of friends, enjoying each other’s company at some fabulous new eateries in the city we all love and appreciate.  Pasadena is a treasure, and it is just waiting for you to go exploring and to have some fun of your own!

Win your Day with Miracle Fitness

It's 5:15 am and I have hit the snooze button for the first time - it is Monday.  I drift in and out of sleep for the next 15, well honestly 20 minutes, until I decide that I can not squeeze in one more second. It is time to get up. This is my ritual every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is always the same waking game I play, but the reward is great. See, I head down to,Victory Park about 4 blocks from our house for my 5:45 am strength training workout with Lisa Wolfe, the owner of Miracle of Fitness and her many dedicated followers. This month marks a year and half since I began training with her.

Lisa's company, along with hundreds of other small businesses, are what makes Pasadena so unique.  Small business commerce is alive and kicking in our community and there truly is something for everyone here. So for me, I would much rather workout outdoors, in my own neighborhood, and at the same time support someone who has the spirit and drive to go live out her passion. And as bonus, I have met some of the most amazing women and men who live right in my neighborhood and who have joined me on this journey of  "winning the day".

Lisa offers one-on-one, small group training and “Bootcamps” out of Victory Park, so give her a call and join us sometime. It is never too late to get started or re-started and you'll never regret missing a few minutes (or an hour) of sleep since you'll be witness to some of the most amazing sunrises, be reminded of the bountiful blessings, and grateful for the new friends who have entered your life.

Now, go win your day!

Cynthia

February 2012 Sales Up for Pasadena Single Family Homes

Just so you know, or in case you were wondering just where the housing market is right now, let us bring you up to speed. The February sales for single family homes in Pasadena for the month of February 2012 is up 47% over 2011. 53 homes sold in 2012 compared to 36 in 2011. That is good news and surely driven by the historically low interest rates providing opportunities for first-time AND move-up buyers. Additionally, the average price per square foot for 2012 AND 2011 is $394.00. If you are thinking about selling your home, the average time on the market is approximately 88 days, up from 77 in 2011. Sales are up over last year, however, the median price has decreased from $602,500 in 2011 to $554,500 in 2012. Are prices going down, you ask? We think they are stable, since the sales of 3 bedroom homes nearly doubled this year. These homes sold at an average of $675,000, bringing the median down. We'll be keeping a very close watch on this in the months to come.

Is it a good time to sell or buy? Yes! There is a sale going on, so now is the time to take advantage of the lower prices and fabulous interest rates. Inventory is low, and so buyers are just waiting for the right house to come on the market. To prove my point - a recent NE Pasadena listing on Paloma Street priced at 899K generated 24 offers! Prices are stable and there are tons of deals to be had as long as you are financially qualified and prepared.

Drop us a line if you would like us to provide you an evaluation of the current value of your home (not what an appraiser has told you) so that you too, can come up with a realistic plan. This is the time to find your dream home - a once in a lifetime opportunity. We sold and bought this year and would love to share our story with you. We landed back in our favorite NE Pasadena neighborhood, just 2 blocks from our old house and are grateful that our journey led us back to one of Pasadena's best kept secrets.

Data Courtesy of TrendVision