I’m Still Here

Blogging has definitely been taking a back seat to all other areas in my life.  Business is good, kids are busy, home is being renovated.  Yikes!  But, I am really enjoying the whole blogging thing and want to make sure that I make it a part of my business, keeping people informed on San Marino Real Estate.  I went onto the Multiple Listing Service in hopes that I could come up with some exciting trend to tell you about.  Of course, people are still always asking the question, “How is San Marino Real Estate doing?”  My answer would have to be a bit hedgy.  The number of houses sold so far this year is about the same as last year and yet definitely down from previous years.  People are being careful about putting their homes on the market, wisely analyzing whether they have to sell.  The average home price is up from last year by over $100,000 but the price per square foot is down by about $10 per square foot.  I guess that we are just selling more larger homes this year rather than overall prices increasing.  I still see the importance of establishing a realistic and appropriate price on your home if you are looking to sell.  In this financial environment everyone is looking for a bargain and it is unwise to overprice your home and then watch it sit on the market unsold.  My faith in San Marino Real Estate remains strong and my belief that it is an incredible investment in your future.  Its award winning schools, great community pride and spirit, close proximity to downtown LA and amazing architecture and homes make San Marino a great place to live.

Now, for those of you who might not be able to pay San Marino prices or are interested in an investment property, the lower price ranges in the Pasadena area are hopping!  There are deals abounding and historic low prices.  You will have to look out for my partner, LeAnn Healy’s, new blog called “The Pasadena Bargain Hunter”.  She is on a personal quest to find a great investment property in the greater Pasadena area.  Follow her on her hunt.

Desire to purchase or sell in the greater Pasadena area?  Visit the Benuska Group at our website (launching on 7/1/09)

Your E-Waste Answers

As part of San Marino’s ongoing commitment to create a lean green community, the San Marino Chamber of Commerce has created a program for our residents to easily and effectively recycle their e-waste.  E-waste is anything that has to do with technology.  Have an old computer, printer, monitor or TV that you would like to dispose of?  Now instead of having to load it all into your car and then wait in line for hours, you simply need to make one phone call.

Call the San Marino Chamber of Commerce at (626)-286-1022, and they will give you all the information you need to have Greener World Recycling come to your home for a scheduled pick up.  Thanks to the San Marino Chamber of Commerce this service is available to all residents in the greater San Gabriel Valley. This a great way for all of us to be green without any fuss.

New Year’s Resolutions

As the year draws to a close, more and more of us are beginning to think about our New Year’s Resolutions.  For many this year their New Year’s Resolutions will have to do with being financially secure.  One of the greatest investments we make in a life time is buying a home.  It is a process that has huge symbolic meaning and many financial ramifications.  Owning a home that you can afford is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family.

With interest rates down and lower prices across the board it is an ideal time to take your financial future to the next level by investing in a home, whether it is your first or your forty first.  A home is a great long term investment that provides for every member in the family.  If your New Year’s Resolution is to buy a home, please give me a call.  I’ll be more than happy to make it a reality.

San Marino History

The city of San Marino has a rich and varied past. The name San Marino comes from a stone cutter named Mario who fled his home during a Turkish invasion and took refuge in the crags and rocks of Mt. Titano.  In1085 A.D. the monks residing at a monastery on Mt. Titano canonized Marino, who then became San (Saint) Marino. Our High School is nicknamed the Titans after Mt. Titano. 

As the legend of San Marino grew and area of Italy was named after the saint. The Italian Republic of San Marino in Italy lent its name to a plantation in Maryland which was owned by J. de Barth Shorb’s grandfather.  When Shorb was deeded the land that is now San Marino, he decided to name the area after his grandfather’s plantation and that is how San Marino got its name.

The Hunt For Value

Now is a great time of year to take a drive and look at all of the beautifully decorated homes.  While you are oohing and ahhing over the lights you might notice that there are a wide range of homes on the market.  Additionally you will notice that each neighborhood has a feel to it.  When you find a neighborhood that you like it’s worthwhile to drive around to see what is directly next to or around the neighborhood.  There are many factors in determining the value of a home but certainly location is one of the largest considerations.

Your personal tastes are a good litmus test for what others might value. If the location of the home is valuable to you, chances are that it will be to others as well. A great realtor can help you to understand some of the finer points of the neighborhoods that you are interested in, such as school zoning, tax zoning and other non visible but important considerations.

Enjoy the lights, enjoy the homes and if you need more information on any property give me a call, I’ll look forward to hunting value with you.