Happy Labor Day!

As we head toward the Labor Day weekend real estate continues to be slow in San Marino, not many sales and not many new listings. I did have the opportunity to look at one house on caravan.

1645 Lorain Road

1645 Lorain Road

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath Colonial home is located on a nice stretch of Lorain Road, south of Huntington Drive, and for a 1,848 sq ft home, it has a very impressive look from the street. The ground floor consists of a nice step-down Family Room, Dining Room, nicely remodeled kitchen, small office, and remodeled 3/4 bath. Upstairs there are three bedrooms, all utilizing a nicely remodeled full bath. The 8,994 sq ft lot is well maintained and has a roomy feel. I have mixed feelings about this home. I like the location, the architecture, and the fact that it is in clean, move-in condition. But, at $1,248,000, it has a high cost per square foot in San Marino. It will be interesting to see how people respond to this property.

Is San Marino Ready For a Dog Park?

By Carrie Benuska

One of my favorite things about living in San Marino is its small town atmosphere despite its close proximity to one of the largest cities in the world.  That small town atmosphere extends to everything from knowing everyone’s name at the PTA meeting to having a voice in the local government; which brings me the proposed San Marino dog park. If you have strong feelings about the proposed San Marino Dog Park you’ll want to attend the meeting hosted by the San Marino Recreation Commission on Tuesday, September 30th at 7pm. 

The entire purpose of the meeting will be to hear from residents about their feelings, opinions, excitement and concerns.  The meeting will be held at Crowell Public Library in the Barth Community Room, the Library is located at 1890 Huntington Drive.

Residents who are unable to attend the meeting but would still like to voice an opinion can do so by calling (626) 300-0778 or by writing to Cindy Collins, the Assistant City Manager.  Ms. Collins’ email is ccollins@cityofsanmarino.org.  The proposed site of the dog park is at the western end of Lacy Park.  Take advantage of our glorious small town atmosphere and let your voice be heard.

For more information on San Marino go to my website

Summer is almost over!

My daughter started back to school today and my son is in the middle of “hell week” for football, two signals that summer is almost over. The market in San Marino continues to reflect the slowness of summer, though. There was only one new home for sale on caravan today and there are only 32 total listings in San Marino.

1290 Winston Avenue

1290 Winston Avenue

This 3 bedroom, 3 bath French Country home is on the narrow stretch of Winston, close to San Marino High School. It’s hugest asset is the beautiful 12,151 sq ft lot, with beautiful landscaping, a lovely pool, and even a sports court on the lower portion of the yard. The 2,926 sq ft home is nice and clean but has a bit of an odd floor plan. There is a small room as you enter the home that is being called the Living Room, but the main living area is the Family Room, a large light-filled room with a fireplace. There are two bedrooms downstairs and a Master Bedroom upstairs, with a walk-in closet. Also located upstairs is an Office, with a built-in desk and cabinets. The kitchen is large and nicely remodeled and the baths are clean and well maintained. At $1,690,000, I think that this would be a great family home for someone!

For more information on San Marino Real Estate visit my website

The Pasadena Closet

by Carrie Benuska

Architecturally we live in an area that has always been ahead of its time.  A driving tour of San Marino or Pasadena can delight any architectural buff by offering a view of the outside of homes.  The inside, ahh that’s yet another story.  This is an area that is rich in craftsmen era details and wood working on a level that is nearly extinct in today’s prefab world. 

The other day I was showing a home that had a luscious custom California closet; you know the type, a fabulous walk in with everything so perfectly organized that you just want to move in immediately!  The client fell in love with the closet as well and asked me a question I hear from time to time, “What is the difference between a California Closet and a Pasadena Closet?”

A Pasadena Closet is the great-granddaddy of all California style luxury closets.  The first Pasadena Closets seem to have appeared on the scene in the 1920’s in and around the Pasadena area. You can still find them in homes that were built from the late 20’s up through the 1950’s.  These closets feature drawers and cabinets built into the actual cabinetry to maximize efficiency and storage.

The Pasadena Closets were revered by home owners of the time and inspired the more elaborate closets of our era which are now referred to around the world as California Custom Closets.  But it all began right here.

The Privilege of Being a Great Realtor

by Carrie Benuska

Buying or selling a home is a life altering event.  Aside from being a large financial transaction it is an experience that is filled with emotion.  As a realtor I believe those emotions should be joy, pride, excitement and happiness instead of stress, doubt, anxiety and fear. 

The job of a realtor is to help someone buy or sell their home.  The passion of a great realtor is to listen to a client and to match them with the home of their dreams.  I consider it a privilege to sit with a family and listen to their goals and dreams and then help them to find the exact fit for their circumstances.  I love the excitement on my client’s faces when they see their dreams become reality.  It is an honor to be a part of such a momentous occasion in anyone’s life.

If you are looking for a real estate professional who has the knowledge and experience to handle the business end of your transaction as well as the passion to help you achieve your real estate dreams, then I hope you will entrust your business with me.