Happy Holidays from CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes

We are nearing that time of year when we start looking back at the accomplishments of the last twelve months and begin to gear up to tackle the plans laid for the year ahead.

Before the hustle-and-bustle of the upcoming holly days begin, our team at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes would like to thank each one of our past and present clients for your trust and confidence in our skills. Together, we have make dozens of dreams come true for our clients. From a young family's first home to the new location for a burgeoning local small business. Despite the roadblocks of this market, our teams of client and REALTORS have achieved so much.

In 2012, we begin a new chapter. As our company continues to grow we look forward to the real estate adventures that lay ahead.

But for the time being we are grateful for you, our clients and give you many-a-thanks.

We join in celebrating with you this special time and wish you a prosperous New Year.

Your Friends at
CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes

Five Winter Lawn and Landscape Tips

As winter comes into full swing, follow these five landscape tips to prepare your vegetation for the colder months.

1. Gradually lower the mowing height of your mower. Any young growth makes your lawn more vulnerable to winter diseases which can leave you with a dried out brown winter lawn. However, trim the lawn gradually in several steps to avoid suddenly removing all the green leaf tissue and damaging the turf.
2. Clear your lawn of any debris that can smother your grass. Toys, kid pools, and other items should not be left of the grass and turf, especially if you live in a climate that may cause snow.
3. In late fall, be sure to give your lawn a final fertilization. Inactive during winter, your lawn won't use the fertilizers immediately but will store these nutrients in its root system and process them at the first signs of spring.
4. Aerate your lawn before the season’s first frost. A thorough aeration coupled with fertilization, will set the stage for healthy spring vegetation and growth.
5. Research what plants thrive in your region. Apply this knowledge when planning your spring planting.

Our team of REALTORS can help guide you this season as you prepare your home for sale. Contact us any time at 626-358-1858 - Monrovia or 626-963-7621 - Glendora.

How Do You Succeed In Real Estate For 20 Years? | Century 21 Blog

Get to Know Our Own - Karen Taylor-Straley.

How Do You Succeed In Real Estate For 20 Years? | Century 21 Blog

Common Contract Contingencies

When buying or selling a home, contingency is an important part of the process. It is a formal stipulation that protects the interests of both buyers and sellers. Contingencies enumerate particular conditions that must be met for the sale to be finalized, and if they are not fulfilled, the buyer or seller may back out 
of the contract without penalty.

Some common contingencies are:

1. Financing - The financing contingency refers to the buyer’s ability to procure financing for the property. This could include the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, length and type of loan.
2. Appraisal - The appraisal clause is necessary so the proposed property value can be substantiated for the lender.
3. Inspection - A home inspection could reveal any issues or defects and the buyer can ask for repairs, or renegotiate the sale price. You also have the opportunity to review paperwork affecting the title such as a Preliminary Title Report which may outline liens or other title issues that must be addressed before escrow closes.
4. Buying or Selling of Property - Often, the sale may be contingent on the seller’s purchase of a new property or the buyer’s ability to sell his existing home.

These are just some of the details that experienced and well-trained agents know how to address and why we recommend working with a REALTOR 
for the sale or purchase of your home.

Our team is here to help make all your transitions easier. To talk to any of our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes REALTORS please call us at 626-358-1858 or 626-963- 7621. Are you a fan? Join us on Facebook or follow our Tweets today.

C21 Real News - November 2011

Make moving fun for the whole family with these 5 family tips.

Moving can be a stressful experience for adults and children as well, but it doesn’t have to be! See below for five tips on how to make moving a positive experience.

1. Talk the talk - Communicate with your children and encourage them to discuss any apprehension they may have about moving. Brainstorm and find solutions to alleviate any fears. Remember, technology makes it easy to keep in touch with old friends with video chats, emails and social networking sites.
2. Explore your surroundings - Go for a family bike ride and learn what your community has to offer. Check out the local ice cream parlors, bike paths, dog parks, hiking trails or specialty restaurants. Familiarize your children with the neighborhood so they are at ease.
3. Take out and stay in - Plan a family sleepover at the new house, even before the furniture is shipped. This will be an adventure for the whole family and together time in the new home often makes children feel more secure and less overwhelmed in their new surroundings.
4. Designer room - Give your children paint color options so they can decide on the color scheme of their bedroom. It may be helpful to set aside a special box with their favorite things from their old room to incorporate into the new space.
5. Integrate - Involve your children in local teams and activities. Most moves take place at the end of the school year, so by enrolling your children in clinics, camps and sports you are providing them with an opportunity to make friends with future classmates.

Our team is here to help make all your transitions easier. To talk to any of our CENTURY 21 Adams  Barnes REALTORS please call us at 626-358-1858 or 626-963- 7621. Or join us on  Facebook or follow our  Tweets. Our team is always just a click or phone call away

Team Adams & Barnes Walks for Hope at City of Hope

Walk for Hope at City of Hope in a cherished tradition at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes. This year, our team of walkers braved low temperatures and aggressive rain at the early morning's festivities. They weren't alone though as thousands of spirited walkers joined them in their effort to fight answers towards the disease of cancer.

Overall, the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes team raised over $2,500 which made part of the $1,000.000 plus figure raised for the event by all attendees (a Walk for Hope record).

Afterwards, the team headed to Jake's Road House in Monrovia for a team breakfast and debrief (Relay for Life - Monrovia is just around the bend). 

Can't wait to do it all over again in 2012.

See You In New Orleans

The Adams & Barnes team Walks for Hope

This Sunday morning, the crew at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes braved the rain and "Walked for Hope" at City of Hope.

Joining thousands of fellow Cancer fighters and countless survivors of the disease the team walked the 5K course through the City of Duarte and the City of Hope campus.

The Walk is a tradition for many at Adams & Barnes real estate sales family and this counts the first time when the team has endured chilly rain and mid-50s temps.

We look forward to taking part in the Walk next year and we are confident that the efforts of all those in attendance will help find a cure to this terrible disease.

Joann looks forward to 2012 Conference

A Word from Cindy Luongo

I have been in the Real Estate industry for over 18 yrs and ever since I made the move to CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes my business has grown and flourished.

The positive atmosphere and support the Adams & Barnes Team has given me compares to none.

State of the Art Technology and Training keeps us focused and knowledgeable in this complex market. It is so important to have that "edge" when we go out there and service our clients.

Our Broker and Managers have trained us to go out there and work with the highest levels of Integrity.

Tips For Selling Your Home This Fall

No matter what the season, or where you live, remember the tried-and-true tips when presenting your home
to potential buyers. It is always important that your home is neat, organized, clean and clutter-free during an
open house or private showings. However, here are some ideas on how to take advantage of the fall season
to really make your house stand out.

1. ‘Tis the season - spruce up your entryway and yard with plants that thrive in the fall like
   chrysanthemums. A cornstalk or pumpkin on the front porch, or a decorative fall wreath on the front
   door is a nice touch…though all accents should be in moderation.
   
2. Safety first - Don’t forget to rake the leaves, as they can be slippery on sidewalks and steps. Also,
   scattered leaves may detract from your home’s facade.
   
3. Sugar and spice - Capitalize on the season with scented pinecones or cinnamon sticks to create
   warm fall aromas inside your home.
   
4. Rain or shine - Depending on the weather, you may need an indoor mat so the floors don’t become
   treacherous.
5. Warm hearth - A fireplace is a desired feature, make it a focal point of your open house with a fire and arrange the furniture accordingly.
6. Food for thought - It’s always good to provide delicious treats during an open house so potential buyers linger. Warm pie, hot apple cider, for fresh cookies and milk are good selections for a cozy fall snack that will make potential buyers feel at home.

Consult your favorite CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes Sales Professional for more tips on how to make the most of your home in the autumn season. Contact us today at 626.358.1859 / Monrovia or 626.963.7621 / Glendora and/or visit us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes

10 New Kitchen and Bath Trends

Enjoy keeping up with the latest trends in kitchen and bath design? Here are the most popular new designs from the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

• Concealed kitchens - Concealing appliances enhances the kitchen’s ability to be a primary living and entertainment venue. Clean lines and sleek colors create a unique identity without overpowering nearby rooms.
• Beverage stations - This area usually includes an undercounter refrigerator, wine cooler and coffee maker.
• Scaling of elements - Shapes, textures and fixtures are used to create scale. Whether it’s a marbled surface in tile, a tin ceiling or metallic material, it can be used to direct the eye around the room and create a balanced space.
• Bold colors - Look for splashes of bold color—particularly rich blues, purples, greens and yellows.
• Soft geometry - Rounded shapes on countertops, light fixtures and soffits help smooth traffic patterns and soften features.
• New use of space - Fixtures such as floating vanities and wall-mounted toilets remove obstructions and make baths feel spacious.
• Framing - A simple detail such as a soffit along the ceiling or blank wall space surrounding inset cabinets can set off and emphasize elements while creating a focal point.
• Varying heights - Islands, countertops and walls are being customized to homeowner needs. Varying heights are not only functional but also create balance.
• Japanese influences - Look for clean lines, open spaces and neutral colors with bold splashes of color. Japanese artwork and antiques are becoming popular as well.
• Art integration - Kitchens and baths are being personalized with paintings and sculptures.

5 tips to know before you hire movers.

Moving can be a stressful experience but hiring the right moving company can ensure a smooth transition. Check out the tips below on how to select the best company for you.

1. Do your research. Talk to friends and neighbors for recommendations and warnings. Research prospective moving companies on the Better Business Bureau's website. Call and ask how long they have been in business, how much experience their packers and drivers have, and, if necessary, if they're licensed for interstate transport.
2. License to drive. Verify the status of the moving company's licenses with the US DOT and State DOT (as appropriate). Check their credentials and make sure they offer liability insurance.
3. Get an in-home quote. A company that provides an estimate over the phone may then charge more on the day of the move by claiming that there was more inventory than expected. The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires an interstate mover to give you an in-home estimate if your current home is 50 miles from the mover’s (or the agent’s) place of business. You’re entitled to get the full quote in writing, which should itemize all charges associated with the move.
4. Compare and save. When it comes to getting a fair quote, let market competition work for you.
5. A picture is worth a thousand words. A legitimate mover should inventory your property before the move to make sure nothing is lost, but photos of all valuable property provides extra protection if you need to file a claim.

Your may reach our agents who know the local moving experts at 626.358.1858 or at 626.963.7621. Or you may visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes

What not to do before buying a home!

A lender will examine your debt-to-income ratio to qualify you for a mortgage. Debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income, before taxes, that is reserved to pay down debt. If you're serious about buying a home avoid these common mistakes that will compromise the amount of your approved loan:

• No new debt! Delay large purchases, this includes jewelry, vacations, appliances and especially vehicles. Hold off on buying a new vehicle, as a sizable monthly car payment can push the debt-to-income percentage over what lenders feel is a safe limit, and you may be denied the loan or have to settle for a smaller loan.
• Do not co-sign on a loan for anyone else. Although you will not be making the payment, the lender still views this as your debt.
• Don’t move money around. A lender will require you to supply bank statements for all your accounts during recent months. Any large deposits or withdrawals will be red flags to the lender, and may slow or inhibit the escrow. Changing banks is also unadvisable. Remember, the simpler your finances are, the better.
• Avoid changing jobs. When you change jobs, it can be difficult for lenders to predict future earnings. Any major career changes, such as corporate employee to self-employed, should also be delayed. Remember, the lender will look two years back and average your income. Anything that will make that process difficult is a bad idea.

For more tips on the home buying process reach out our way.

Your may reach our agents who are local experts at 626.358.1858 or at 626.963.7621 . Or you may visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes

5 things to consider when choosing the best home for your needs.

When selecting a property there are several major factors to consider. Compromise is expected in the home buying process. You can always upgrade laminate countertops to granite or factory cabinets to custom, but be aware of the essentials you need in a property before you buy.

Location, location, location. This is one thing that you cannot change! Where you buy will most likely be at the top of your necessity list. Do you need easy access to highways for your commute to work? Perhaps you need to be near public transportation because you do not have a vehicle. Save yourself time and money by focusing only on areas that work for you.

Education. Public schools dictate enrollment according to school district boundaries. You may be surprised to find where lines are drawn. Are you trying to move, or stay in, a highly rated district? You may wish to visit area schools to get a feel for which place is best for your family.

Crime doesn’t pay. Research the local crime rates. Some neighborhoods experience higher levels of crime, both violent and petty. Safety to you and property are valid considerations.

Be neighbor conscious. Your property value is affected by the condition of the prospective neighborhood. Be sure to drive up and down adjacent streets. Are homes and yards in good repair? You want neighborhoods that reflect care and attention.

Size matters. Take the lot size into consideration; if you need more living space is there room to expand? Check local zoning laws to verify you can build up or out.

Locally, there are other key items to consider and that is when an area experts help make a difference in the home buying process.

You may reach our agents who are local experts at 626-358-1858 or at 626-963-7621. Or you can visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes

Showing & selling your home while owning pets.

When preparing your home for an open house our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes professionals strongly encourage homeowners who have pets to relocate the animal during viewing hours. This protects your pet from the common occurrences that come with foot traffic, such as an open front door or a gate that wasn’t shut properly, in addition to the stress of unfamiliar people in the home. Restricting a pet to an area within the home also limits the area potential buyers can view, so removing the animal from the home is ideal. See below for our tips to sell your home when you have
pets.

• Lawn Maintenance. First impressions last so remove any droppings from your lawn.
  
• Neutralize Odors. Litter boxes, training pads, pet beds should be thoroughly cleaned or
  temporarily taken out of the house to eliminate any offensive odors.
  
• Vacuum. Pet hair is unsightly, as are stains, so remember to sweep or vacuum all floors,
  rugs and furniture. Professional carpet cleaners may be necessary to fully eradicate any
  pungent odors or stains.
  
• Purify Air. Some would-be buyers may be allergic to pet dander so in addition to vacuuming,
  change all air-conditioning filters. Remember, if a potential buyer is hit with an allergy attack
  entering your home, odds are they will not stay to see the rest of your home.
  
• Declutter and Depersonalize. Food bowls, pet toys, beds, crates and medicines should be
  stowed out of sight
  
• Repair Any Damage. If your pet has chewed through your fence or scratched the front door,
  repair or replace it so it doesn’t detract from the space.
• 
  

Your may reach our agents at 626.358.1858 or at 626.963.7621 . Or you may visit us on Facebook atfacebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes