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.

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.

The Castle Green Holiday Tour

On Sunday, December 7, at 1:00 PM the Historic and beautiful Castle Green will once again open its doors for their annual Holiday tour.  One of the last remaining icons of the historic hotels of Pasadena’s past, Castle Green is a cultural and architectural landmark like no other.  Now divided into private residences the building is inhabited by designers, musicians, artists and collectors, many of whom open their homes for this annual holiday tour.  Trained docents are available for guided tours or you can stroll the grounds and public rooms at your leisure.

If you are interested in architecture or history this is must see; but even for those who just enjoy the holidays there is much to be enjoyed.  Castle Green is located at 99 S. Raymond in Pasadena.  Tickets to the event are $20.00 per person for more information call 626-577-6765 or visit www.castlegreen.com

Stately Elegance

On caravan today were three high-end homes scattered around San Marino. If you are interested, I would love to show them to you!

1603 Charton Road

1603 Charlton Road

Located on the beautiful Charlton Road in the Library District of San Marino, this elegant Monterey Colonial is a winner from the street, with nice landscaping and gorgeous architecture. Each of these streets in the Library District are filled with stately, well maintained homes, conveniently located close to schools and the famous Huntington Library. This 5 bedroom, 4 bath home is clean and in good condition but could use some updating to make it absolutely fabulous. I was taken with the large entry, with beautiful staircase going up to a grand landing on the second floor. The home features 4,475 sq ft of living space, and all of the rooms are very nice size, especially the 4 bedrooms upstairs, one featuring a fireplace with darling handpainted tiles. The one weak spot in the home is the added-on family room, off of the living room. It is not in keeping with the incredible architecture, especially the aluminum sliding glass doors. The 16,703 sq ft lot is fabulous, with many trees and a very private feeling. It is listed for $2,800,000.

2811 Cumberland Road

288 Cumberland Road

This 2 bedroom, 3 bath home is extremely unique, sitting on a huge 24,282 sq ft double lot on Cumberland Road, by far the largest property on the street. The lot seems to go on forever and features an incredible 300 year old oak tree. The home has 2,327 sq ft of living space and has 2 bedroom suites and a den. It is in beautiful condition, with nicely remodeled kitchen and baths. Also on the expansive lot is a full guest house, with kitchen and even a fireplace. The home was owned by a man in a wheelchair, so it has some ramps and accomodations for wheelchair use. This property has to be seen to be fully appreciated. I imagine that it will appeal to a special family who is drawn to the layout in the house and the addition of the fabulous guest house. It is listed for $2,200,000.

1662 Lorain Road

1662 Lorain Road

This 5 bedroom, 3 bath Spanish home resides on a nice stretch of Lorain Road, south of Huntington Drive and close to Virginia Road. This home did not appeal to me at all. I found the interior dark and the decor not to my taste. It does have a nice step down living room, with high beamed ceilings and 4 upstairs bedrooms. Also of highlight is a beautiful 13,359 sq ft lot, with expansive tile patio. It is listed for $2,295,000.

For more information on San Marino Real Estate go to my website.

Go Titans!

It is hard to believe that it is again Thursday and time for the Pasadena area Caravan. What a beautiful day to live in San Marino! As the weekend rolls around, the San Marino Titans will be battling to earn a spot in the CIF tournament and my son and two other big lineman have been moved up from the Junior Varsity to help make that victory happen. It has been a long time since we have made it to CIF and we will be cheering hard for the Titans! Now, back to real estate! I had the opportunity to see two mid-ranged homes on my Caravan today:

1825 Carlisle Drive

1825 Carlisle Drive

Located close to Valentine Elementary and Huntington Middle School, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath Traditional home is located on the quaint Carlisle Drive. Completely remodeled, including updated kitchen and baths, this 3,341 sq ft home is definitely suited for a family who wants a move-in-ready home. The 10,501 sq ft lot is well maintained and features a lovely swimming pool. I found the floorplan awkward and the decore not to my liking. It has all of the elements and yet did not catch my eye, especially for the pricetag of $1,799,000.

1181 Old Mill Road

1181 Old Mill Road

Featuring unique Classic Revival architecture, this is a home that always catches my eye when making my way across town on Old Mill Road, and today was my opportunity to take a look at it from the inside (being a Realtor is so great!) The home has been completely remodeled and is quite dramatic from the inside as well as from the outside. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 3,460 sq ft of living space, this home has a lot to offer. The floorplan is quite different, with rooms very spread out around the house and yet providing for a lot of privacy. The kitchen is remodeled and the baths are all nicely done and it has a family room on the upstairs level. The living room, with high vaulted ceilings is quite lovely but my favorite is the very attractive pool and entertaining area in the back. Due to its location, I think that the price of $1,895,000 is quite good and I expect it to sell quickly.

To learn more about San Marino Real Estate go to my website