Great reasons to put your home on the market before the New Year!

The busy holiday season may not seem like a convenient time to have you home as an active listing. However, don't dismiss the idea of listing your home before the New Year so easily. Here are five reasons why you should consider putting, or keeping, your home on the market during the holiday season.

1. Serious buyers. The potential homebuyers who take the time to view your home over the holidays are usually serious about purchasing. There may be fewer buyers viewing your home, but they are motivated and are usually looking to buy sooner rather than later.
2. Limited competition. Homeowners often take their homes off the market or wait until after the holiday season to list their homes. This eliminates a lot of competition and limits the options prospective buyers have to choose from. Less competition may mean your home will sell for more money in a shorter amount of time. 
3. Low interest. Interest rates tend to drop the most at the end of the year and savvy buyers often take advantage of the incentive by purchasing a home and securing a fixed rate. 
4. Time is on your side. Potential buyers often have more vacation time during the holidays to view your home than they would during normal business days.
5. Closing time. When buyers close on their new home before the end of the year they can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes and points on their loan on their income tax return. They can also take advantage of significant deductions associated with home equity loans. This means faster closings and determined buyers.

Remember that our team of Sale Associates are always here to answer questions and help you. Contact us today. 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.

Fall Cleaning Tips

The winter season brings shorter days, cooler temperatures and often, lots of guests and holiday entertaining. A deep cleaning of your space leaves your home looking great and may keep flu season at bay. Here are some ideas to freshen up your home.

1. Sanitize commonly overlooked items. Germs are most prevalent on heavily used items. Disinfect your computer keyboards, remote controls, light switches, phones, appliances, doorknobs and cabinet handles regularly. 
2. Flip and rotate mattresses. This ensures the mattress will maintain its shape, comfort and resilience. Feel free to vacuum the mattress for added cleanliness. 
3. Wash any bedding that was in storage. Launder winter bedding and if possible, dry outdoors to rid it of any musty odor that may have seeped in during storage. 
4. Clean your chimney and flues. This should be done at least once a year and should be conducted by a professional. It is important for safety and may cut down on your heating bill. 
5. Protect and clean wood and tile. Deep clean to remove any dirt or grime and reseal wood floors to protect against scratches.

To learn more tips or if you are considering selling your home during these Fall and Winter month please feel free consult a qualified REALTOR® . Our associates represent clients throughout the San Gabriel Valley  and we are here to help. Call us today at 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.

Keep your kids safe this Halloween with these tips.

• Test for allergies. Apply any face paint or costume makeup in a small area on your child, at least 24 hours before Halloween to check for allergic reactions. 
• Travel in groups. Adult supervision is ideal for small children. However, if older children are allowed to trick-or-treat on their own, they should travel in groups of four or more. Routes should always be agreed upon with adults and cell phones should be carried to stay in touch.
• See and be seen. Children should wear reflective tape on their flame-retardant costumes and if masks are worn they should not impede vision. Flashlights should be utilized. 
• Never go into a home. Tell your child that candy should be given at the door and there is no need to enter a home.
• Obey traffic laws and curfews. Pedestrian traffic laws should be obeyed and whenever possible, cross within a crosswalk. Town curfews on Halloween are for safety and should be adhered to. 
• Check your candy. Adults should inspect all candy collected. Any suspicious looking or unwrapped candy should be discarded.

Stay safe out there and check back in with us soon as we share the MUST visit neighborhoods this Halloween around the San Gabriel Valley.

Find this spookyfying place on Lemon Avenue in Monrovia, CA

The pros and cons of purchasing a short sale property

Some buyers find themselves contemplating the purchase of a short sale, a property that sells for less than the balance its owner owes on the mortgage, despite the possible added complexities. If this is something that you are considering, please take note:

Pro: A major advantage to purchasing a short sale property is the price. Banks do not want a property to go into foreclosure, which is usually the next step if a short sale property fails to sell. Often buyers can purchase a property for under the market value.

Con: The disadvantage of buying a short sale is that it can be a very lengthy process. Short sales often take significantly longer than normal closings due to the amount of people involved in the transaction. The bank employs negotiators to get the maximum amount for a property and once the negotiator approves, a supervisor must review the package. You may wait for months while your offer is evaluated and the lender may reject your offer, even after having had the paperwork for a long period of time. If you do not have a flexible time frame, a short sale probably isn’t for you.

Recommendation: When shopping short sales, remember to work with a qualified CENTURY 21 real estate agent who has experience with short sales. Short sales can be complex, so it helps to ask about experience and success with short sales and familiarity with the process and lenders.

Consult a qualified REALTOR® to decide if a short sale is right for you. Call us today at 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.

How do I know if/when I should lower my home price?

Sellers cannot change the location, layout, or lot size of their property. However, one thing sellers have complete control over is the listing price. Although no seller likes to lower the price, in a buyer’s market, it is often the best catalyst to sell. Here are some indications you may need to lower your price.

Remember, you have the same goal as your REALTOR® to sell your property for the best possible price in a reasonable amount of time. Be open to suggestions and rely on the experience and success of your professional REALTOR®.

1. You have a lot of potential buyers who have come through your home, but you have not received offers. This may be sign that potential buyers are waiting for you to lower your price.
2. Ask your REALTOR® the average time comparables in your area were on the market before selling. If your home has been on the market for significantly longer, and is sufficiently advertised, without generating interest, it may be time to adjust your price.
3. If you are not getting traffic or offers you may have priced yourself out of contention for your target audience. If you have a starter home with two bedrooms and one bath, with the price tag of a five-bedroom three-bath home, potential buyers will not make offers, let alone come for a viewing. Be realistic when pricing your home or be prepared to languish on the market.
4. Your competition wins. Visit open houses in the area that are in the same price point and decide how and if your property compares.

To learn more about our team's pricing strategies, please contact our offices today at 626-358-1858 (Monrovia) or 626-963-7621 (Glendora).

Creating the Perfect Tenant Mix in Your Neighborhood Shopping Center

If you own or invest in retail space, it’s essential to understand the strategies behind creating the ideal tenant mix. After all, the success of your shopping center depends on your ability as a landlord to understand the demographics and needs of your market and then to attract tenants to serve those needs.

That said focusing on customer needs exclusively could be a recipe for disaster. You must pay attention to and balance the needs of your tenants as well--with the ultimate goal being to create synergy between retailers that results in higher sales together than individual stores could achieve on their own.

Strive to attract tenants in different industries—a grocery store, dry cleaner, pizza shop, and bank, for example—and remember that a good tenant mix also involves leasing to a mix of national, regional and local tenants. Make sure the tenants are compatible with one another, and decide in advance the square footage you will allot to each merchandise category. Give consideration to product pricing as well; higher-priced and discount merchandise each appeal to different segments of the buying public. The merchandise offered should be at a price point that appeals to local buyers.

“Landlords should always protect the interest of the tenant and help them to be more successful,” Mizrahi said. The more successful the tenants, the more successful the shopping center.

And that’s good for everyone—tenants, customers and landlord. Interested in learning more about how to create the perfect tenant mix in your neighborhood shopping center? Call our CENTURY 21® Office today.

Backyard and Pool checklist to keep kids safe.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children ages 1 to 14 and the leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4. Take these important steps to make your backyard pool safer to prevent an accident.

1. Install a fence with a safety lock around your pool.
2. Use door, gate, and pool alarms to alert you if someone enters the pool area.
3. Teach your children to swim or enroll them in a swim program.
4. Invest in an automatic, power safety cover. This is an impenetrable cover that is operated by a key or controlled electronic monitor will completely cover the pool.
5. Equip your pool with a retrofit anti-entrapment safety drain cover.
6. Invest in self-closing/self-latching devices for doors and latching devices for windows that lead to the pool area. This keeps all doors and windows leading to the pool or spa area securely closed.
7. Establish pool rules, such as no running or diving and enforce them.
8. Always have an alert adult supervise swimming.
9. Supply coast guard approved life jackets for kids to wear.
10. Learn CPR.

Why you should plan multiple visits to a home before buying.

For most of us, a home is usually the largest single investment of a lifetime. Such a large purchase warrants multiple visits before making a purchase and it is recommended that you stagger the times of these visits to get a comprehensive experience of the property. Here are some things to pay attention to when viewing a property.

1. Wall-to-wall windows coupled with an open floor plan may seem picturesque midday. Schedule a visit at sunset to get an idea of how light floods through the home and think about how you would ensure privacy at night. It still may be an ideal choice but it is wise to get a realistic view and calculate the cost of window treatments.
2. Visit or drive by a prospective home at different times of the day. That seemingly quiet residential street may be a noisy, highway-feeder street during morning or evening rush hour. The same may be true for the morning commute but if you only visited the property midday, you would have no idea. 
3. The adjacent school may seem like a nice perk, but during school hours, the daily playground noise and extra traffic may be more than you bargained for. If you are viewing the home in the summer, ask your REALTOR® or even neighbors about what you can expect. 
4. It may be nice to be within walking distance to bars and restaurants, but consider the amount of pedestrian traffic. Will late night foot traffic lead to noise or disorderly conduct? Also, remember you can always visit the local police department to get crime statistics of an area.

To learn more about the neighborhoods in the San Gabriel Valley please contact our offices today at 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.

Why photos are so important when selling and what to remember when choosing the shots.

The first impression no longer starts at your front door. Instead, the majority of today’s potential homebuyers begin their property search online. The online photos of your property need to stand out among the competition and engage a prospective homebuyer enough to entice them to schedule a viewing with your REALTOR®. Here are some photo tips to remember when showcasing your home online.

1. Judge a book by its cover. What initially attracts a potential homebuyer is the exterior image of the property. The image should be appealing, and the best time of day to photograph an outdoor area is early morning and twilight. Evening outdoor shots should feature the home with the interior lights on, creating an inviting and alluring effect. Remember, try and photograph during months when there is outdoor vegetation and lush landscape.
2. Capture your best quality. Focus on the selling point of your property. What do you most want potential buyers to see? Consult with your REALTOR® and decide what feature of your home is the most in-demand. Whether it is your newly renovated kitchen or sprawling outdoor area, the image should be prominently featured in your online listing. 
3. The same rules apply. When potential buyers visit your property, regardless if it is a classic cottage or opulent estate, it should be clean, neat, and organized. These same rules pertain when photographing a property. Eliminate any clutter and present a clean, well-maintained home that will attract online homebuyers. 

To learn more or to speak with one of our experienced Sales Associates please contact us today at 626-358-1858 or at 626-963-7621.

Tips to sell your house in the summer.

Summer is often considered a challenging time to sell your home due to family vacations, childcare constraints and summer activities. While it may be more of a challenge or inconvenience to market your property during this season, it is not impossible. Here are some ideas to attract summer buyers.

• Maintain your lawn. Focus on curb appeal and take advantage of the season. Mow your lawn often and ensure all sprinklers are working.
• Cultivate the landscape. Trim bushes, hedges and trees, spread mulch, sweep the walkway and plant flowers.
• Clear a path. It is important that the front entrance is clear of any debris. Repair loose steps and railings or cracks in sidewalks; potential buyers should be able to navigate with ease.
• Provide a welcome respite. When guests enter your home the temperature should be comfortable, perhaps a welcome relief from the outside.
• Organize everything. Your home should be clutter-free, tidy and clean.
• Serve seasonal refreshments. Lemonade, fresh fruit or warm pies are appetizing and create a summer ambiance within your home.
• Bring in the light. The windows and glass doors should shine.
• Hide your tools. Stow away all landscaping tools; potential buyers do not need to be reminded of the maintenance that accompanies a home.
• Clean the pool. If you have a pool it should be clean and clear. Towels, toys and rafts should be neatly stored away so they do not detract from the space.
• Light it up. Illuminate your outside areas with well placed lights.

To learn more about these techniques or to speak with one of our REALTORS who can help you with these and other staging ideas then call us at 626-358-1858 or at 626-963-7621.

First things to do after buying a new home.

You closed on your new property. The boxes are off of the moving truck, the furniture is in the right rooms and you are wondering what to do first. Here is a checklist of important tasks that are high priority.

• Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install new alarms or change the batteries if necessary.
• Establish an escape plan and safe meeting place with your family in the event of a fire.
• Make sure you know where the main water, gas and electrical shutoff valves are, in case of an emergency such as a burst pipe or gas leak.
• Determine which outlets serve which circuits and then label the breakers.
• Change the alarm system code, garage code, and any other password-sensitive devices.
• Change all of the locks and make a few sets of spare keys.
• Update your car insurance, driver’s license and voter registration to reflect your change of address.
• Have all your mail and magazine subscriptions forwarded to your new address. Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit cards, because during a move you are especially susceptible to identity theft if mail is not delivered to your current address.
• Unpack any and all medication that may be needed. Also, make sure you have a first aid kit readily available and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen pantry.
• Add any child locks that are necessary, on toilets, kitchen appliances, medicine cabinets, and any doors that lead outside. Do not forget to place child safety gates and safety plugs in outlets if you have small children.

Read the rest of our tips, check out our photos and much more on Facebook.

Tips for planning your summer travel on a budget.

Plan that summer vacation without breaking the bank with these travel tips.

1. Research. Compare hotel and flight prices, call and ask about any unlisted discounts.
2. Be flexible. The most expensive days to fly are Mondays and Fridays. Plan your trip on the off days, and consider connecting flights instead of direct, or early flights.
3. Brave the elements. Campgrounds are inexpensive and because you often cook your own food, it doubles your savings.
4. Breakfast included. Make sure breakfast is included in the hotel rate.
5. Eat in. Cook dinner or have a picnic. When you do eat out, lunch is less expensive than dinner and drink water instead of soft drinks or liquor.
6. Use plastic. Avoid ATM fees by selecting cash back when making debit purchases.
7. Save at the pump. Utilize phone apps that list gas prices in the area.
8. Matinees. Hit up the movies during the day for cheaper admission.
9. Museums and parks. Often museums offer free admission
10. Coupons. Scan the Internet for discounts on attractions in and around your destination.

Get to know us on the Facebook: facebook.com/century21adamsandbarnes

On the Road Again

Keep your pets safe this summer with these tips.

Enjoy the warm summer months and ensure the safety of your pets with these seasonal safety tips.

1. Never leave an animal in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. A car can heat to extreme temperatures in a few short minutes, causing heat stroke and even death.
2. If you run with your pet, consider starting your routine earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak temperatures, or leave your running buddy at home in the air conditioning so they don’t overexert themselves.
3. Always carry extra water. Just like humans, pets may need more liquids in warmer temperatures.
4. Be aware of any harmful chemicals that are frequently used in the summer months. Avoid pest-treated areas and be cautious when using anti-freeze (which can be fatal to pets).
5. As your pet sheds its undercoat, brush and groom accordingly. Perhaps a summer trim is necessary to keep them comfortable.
6. Provide ample shade for your pet or leave them in the air conditioning.
7. Always leash your pet when in an unfenced or unfamiliar outdoor area. This will keep them safe from other animals and allow you to supervise them properly.

Tips Before You Move

Your property is sold and you are preparing to move. As you leave, try and keep the new owners in mind. Here are a few tips that are mutually beneficial to you and the new owners.

1. Notify your creditors and magazine subscriptions of your new address so you don’t miss an issue or bill. Just in case, you may want to leave a forwarding address to the new owners for any subsequent mail addressed to you.
2. Contact your utility companies (electric, water, gas, water, cable, telephone and internet) two weeks before you move and set an exact date to cut off service. Have your account information ready when you call. It would be courteous to leave the new owners a list of providers to simplify their transition.
3. Update your driver’s license, car registration and voter registration within a month of the move. Consider leaving information such as your property’s designated voting zone for the new owners.
4. Whether you clean your property yourself or hire professionals, leave it clean and free of debris. Remember, this is an exciting time for the new owners and a positive last impression goes a long way.
5. Alert pool cleaners, garbage pickup, landscapers and any other companies that perform frequent maintenance of your home of your impending move. Give their contact information to the new owners.
6. Leave your house keys, garage and/or alarm codes in addition to any appliance manuals for the new owners.
7. Instead of discarding replacement tile or paint, leave these items for the new owners.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

What to look for during final walkthrough.

The final walkthrough provides buyers an opportunity to confirm the completion of any repairs the sellers agreed to and ensure the property is in the same condition it was when their offer was accepted. New owners should pay close attention to detail to avoid costly oversights. Here is a checklist to guide you through the final walk-through.

1. Confirm any items such as appliances, window treatments, or furniture that were included in the sale are present and in working order.
2. Flush all toilets.
3. Open and close all windows and make sure screens and storm windows are present.
4. Run the dishwasher and test every appliance.
5. Test the heating and air conditioning
6. Run every faucet (tubs, showers, sinks) to ensure proper drainage and look for leaks.
7. Check the walls for any holes or damage (especially directly behind doors where a doorknob may meet the wall).
8. Run ceiling and exhaust fans, garbage disposal and garbage compactor.
9. Turn on every light fixture.
10. Verify that remote controls (like garage doors) have been left by the previous owners and are operational.
11. Test the alarm system and verify that a manual is present to instruct you on how to change the code.
12. Run the spa/hot tub/pool to ensure functionality.
13. Inspect the floors, railings, ceilings and steps for any damage that may have occurred during the move. Check the railings for stability.
14. Make sure the sprinklers work and the outdoor areas are satisfactory.
15. Confirm all belongings and debris have been removed from the property.

Avoid these common mistakes when buying a home

Home buying can be a frustrating experience, but choosing a competent real estate agent to guide you through the 

process will likely save you time and money. Here are some tips to avoid costly mistakes.

• Get pre-approved BEFORE you start your home search. Pre-approval will give you a realistic price point when viewing potential homes and puts you in a better position to make a serious offer.
• Research the neighborhood. Learn about crime statistics, schools and amenities within your potential town.
• Look beyond the décor. Focus on the structure itself, square footage and layout. Look beyond the taste of the current homeowner, and remember you are buying the actual house.
• Never skip the inspection. Your home is likely the biggest investment you will ever make, a home inspection is necessary to ensure it is a sound structure or at the very least, make you aware of any defects.
• Give yourself an out. Make sure there are contingencies (such as financing or inspection) in the contract so you can back out of the deal and recoup your deposit.
• Don’t buy the most expensive house on the block. The lower home values around your property will negatively affect your property's value.
• Keep resale value in mind. It may be difficult to envision selling a home that you have yet to live in, but remember to consider long-term property value, location and overall mass appeal, when viewing a potential home.

And remember to call our offices today so that one of our knowledgeable sales professionals can help guide you through your home buying experience.

Team CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes Enjoys it's Annual Company Luau and Award Ceremony

This Sunday (June 10, 2012) our team of REALTORS at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes came together with family and friends to take part in the our annual company luau and award ceremony.

Enjoying a gorgeous Monrovian summer afternoon our crew played the afternoon away with a hearty game of limbo, a messy pie eating contest, a very wet water balloon toss and the usual mayhem that occurs when buckets of water meet little kids.

The food was also delicious and we don't believe anyone went home with an empty belly.

We are proud as a company to have a team of professionals who enjoy each other's company as much as we do. 


To see our entire luau photo album follow us here: Company Luau

Gardening Mistakes to Avoid

Whether you are a garden novice or a seasoned green thumb expert, avoid common gardening mistakes with 
these tips.

1. Pay attention to your property. Observe what areas receive the most sunlight and if there are areas that are often shaded throughout the day. Is there an area that collects an excess of water?
2. Read care instructions on trees, shrubs and plants. Learn and adhere to proper spacing instructions. Remember, spacing may seem excessive at first, but as plants grow and flourish they will increase in size and require adequate space.
3. Take pictures of your space and bring them to your local nursery with your notes and observations of sun exposure. The experts may have some advice and ideas for what will thrive and complement your yard.
4. Install an irrigation system in your yard or be vigilant about watering plant roots according to necessary specifications. This is especially important in the early stages to ensure the plants take root.
5. Landscaping and upkeep can be time consuming and expensive. Choose plant life that will not break your budget, this may entail landscaping your space in stages.

Relay for Life in Monrovia Will Be Here Before You know It

June 02 will be here before you know it and once again our team of walking REALTORS at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes will take to Recreation Park in Monrovia and kick off the 24 hour relay towards a cure for cancer.

All of our team members had been affected, directly or indirectly, by this terrible disease which continues to take human lives. Great strides have been taken towards finding solutions but there is so much research and hard work to be done.

Relay for Life is our opportunity to help raise funds and it is also our chance to pay tribute to the countless men, women and children who have struggled with the disease.

We encourage you to visit our team's website, supportrelay.com and help our efforts. Also, if you'd like to participate in the day's relay please contact our team captain Lary Kubel for more information at 626-203-6384.

We look forward to this year's events.

Monrovia Relay for Life 2011 

Tips for buying and selling homes at the same time

When you are buying a property while selling a property your real estate agent is more important than ever. A qualified and competent agent should be able to give you an accurate estimation of the price your current property may trade for, which is crucial if the sale of the property is contingent on the purchase of another.

Follow the same basic rules when selling your home: get organized by disposing or donating unused items, stage your property, and pack anything you don’t need on a daily basis in preparation for a move. Get a home inspection and make any necessary repairs for your potential buyers and a pre-approval letter to give to sellers of a property you may be interested in. Any proactive and preventative steps you complete will expedite both the home selling and buying process.

When listing your home be realistic with potential offers and ask for a closing date that fits your schedule. Perhaps, if the property you are purchasing is contingent on the sale of your current property, you can ask your buyers for an early closing date. If you have yet to find a property to purchase, you may ask for a later closing date so you won’t have to rent in the interim. No matter what your circumstances are, organization, pre-planning, in-depth knowledge of your finances, coupled with a skilled and experienced real estate professional, are vital aspects to the process.

Team Adams & Barnes Celebrates Cinco De Mayo

Our team is thrilled to have been part (for the second year) of the Monrovia Cinco De Mayo Multicultural Arts & Music Festival. The day's weather was perfect for the event and it was a treat to see the community come out to our Downtown and celebrate the art, food, music, dance and traditions of Latinos in the San Gabriel Valley.

Also, the afternoon gave us the opportunity to meet hundreds of folks and help them enter a raffle to win a new Kenmore Liquid Propane Gas Grill which we'll give to one lucky winner later this week.

Our team, who consisted of Maria Abellanosa, Joanne Cothern, Jacen Crehan, Maricela Dolores, Charmaine Foster, Deanna Jones, Karen Taylor, Isabel Lugo, Jose Martinez, Henry Suarez, Marisela Torres, Patti Tris, Sherry Tweini & Troy Willson.

We are also proud to share some photos of our team at the event and we look forward to being part of this growing festival next year.

Jacen Crehan and Patti Tris meet and greet!

Patti Tris' Tobasco Sauce Gifts

Broker Tom Adams & REALTOR Troy Wilson

Could you be the winner!?

Important Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector

When purchasing a home, home inspections often put the buyer's mind at ease and may allow for renegotiation. An inspection also gives buyers an opportunity to opt out of the sale if major problems are discovered. Here are some important questions that buyers should ask their home inspector.

• Are you a member in good standing of a professional inspectors organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI)? (Some states require a license)
• What is your specialty? If the inspector only has training in one area and has no other expertise, the inspection may not be comprehensive.
• What exactly does the inspection cover? (i.e.-plumbing, heat, electric, structure, alarms, sewer, foundation).
• Do you have references? How long have you been in business and how many inspections have you performed?
• What advanced technology do you use? (i.e.-infrared camera, ultrasound machine)
• Do you carry all necessary insurance, including professional liability, general liability, and errors and omissions insurance?
• Does the report include estimates of repair costs?
• Do you offer a written guarantee on the inspection?
• What type of report will I receive, and when will I receive it?

If there is a specific area of concern, hiring a professional who specializes in that area may beneficial. Also, be aware that there may be a conflict of interest if the home inspector also offers to perform repairs.

Featured New Listing - 307 Elfwood Drive, Monrovia

The weatherman says that by the end of this week temperatures in Southern California could reach the high 90s. Now...you could buy a fan OR you could buy this home and cool off at it's pristine pool while enjoying panoramic views of the valley. 

An entertainer's dream, the home's open floor plan allows for maximum use of the home for your guests. Want to take the party outside? Well then head on down to the pool area where a warm spa awaits as so does the million dollar views. 

So we now invite you to give us a call today and make an appointment to see this gorgeous opportunity in the Monrovia foothills. 626-358-1858

All Information is Deemed Reliable Though Not Guaranteed. DRE License # 00933412

Listed by Tom Adams

Hot Buys of the Week: 4/12/2012

Every week we tour the newly available listings and Open Houses of fellow Brokers & REALTORS. When we find what we consider to be a fantastic opportunity we'd like to share it with you. For this week, our three (that's right three) Hot Buys are:


1008 Via Canada in San Dimas listed at $569,000. A 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bathroom immaculate home siting on a large corner lot with excellent curb appeal. It boasts a Main Level Master Suite. Many upgrades have been done including upstairs bath, guest bath and Master suite Bath. The home also features a very private, resort setting rear yard with Salt water pool and spa and built-in BBQ. There are over 16 palm trees as well as apricot ,plum, almond and lemon trees. Also a large patio with Aluma-wood Pergola. Listed by Bill Brisbin



825 Encino Place in Monrovia listed at $419,000 is a 1950’s traditional home seeks new owner. A brick fireplace, walnut hardwood floors and 100+ square feet addition to the living room provides the extra elbow room that a family needs. The kitchen has been updated with white cabinets, greenhouse window, tile counters and flooring. Just steps away is a separate laundry room loaded with storage. Both bathrooms have also been updated and all windows have been replaced. An attached two car garage completes the picture. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this home offers infinite adaptability to any décor or color scheme. Listed by Edda Hutson


834 E Palm AVenue in Monrovia listed at $499,900 is nestled under a grand oak tree is this charming home located in a highly desirable area of north Monrovia. Upgrades abound including updated plumbing with a tankless water heater, newer roof, hard wood floors, designer light fixtures, beautiful paint colors, crown moulding, central air and heat. The custom kitchen was designed by the 2010 Pasadena Showcase design winner Jan Ledgard of Yorkshire Kitchens. No expense was sparred when designing the kitchen including Showplace Custom Cabinets with soft close hinges and drawers, stainless steel hood, built in microwave and pantry with pull-out drawers. Other high end features include a gorgeous wine hutch with glass cabinet and wine refrigerator. This tastefully appointed home includes a seperate den/office (could be a 4th bedroom) and a living room with dining area. Both bathrooms have also been remodeled, one with a hidden laundry enclosure and a tile shower with glass surround. The new insulated windows and doors will help keep the family cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Enjoy your morning coffee with views of the foothills from the front sitting area or entertain in the privacy of your huge backyard (room for a pool) on the new concrete patio. Listed by Jacen Crehan - askjacen.com


So you may have noticed that these three listings come from our brokerage. :) Yes they do but what can we say, we list for sale wonderful homes and we know hot to price them well.


To learn about any of these homes please contact our office at 626-358-1858 (Monrovia) or 626-963-7621 (Glendora)


All Information is deemed reliable though not guaranteed.

How To Make The Most of Spring Curb Appeal

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 63% of homebuyers will drop by after viewing a home they like online. If your home isn't alluring from the outside, potential buyers may never schedule a showing to see the desirable features within it. Here are some tips to create a first impression that may lead to a sale this spring.

• Under pressure - Pressure washing is budget-friendly way to dramatically improve a home's exterior. Dingy siding, mildewed decks, faded walkways and oil-stained driveways can be returned to pristine condition.
• Contain yourself - Consider investing in container plants. Arranging them around the yard and entryway is a quick way to brighten up a space and create a splash of color.
• Get rid of gutter clutter - Clean your gutters. Often leaves, branches and debris may be visible from the street.
• Open up - Homes with open your curtains often look brighter and more inviting.
• Enjoy the view - Clean windows speak for themselves.
• Lighten up - Outdoor lighting is aesthetically pleasing and provides visual aid in the dark.
• Quick fixes - Updated hardware, such as doorknobs, lighting and even the mailbox, can greatly enhance an entryway.
• Store more - Put away any tools, toys, bikes etc. out of sight so they do not detract from the home.
• Repair and renew - Improve the obvious by filling in sidewalk cracks, fixing screen doors, and touching up any paint that is chipped.
• Tidy up - Remember to rake the leaves and trim the hedges to give the yard a boost.

Hot Buys of the Week: 4/4/2012

Every week we tour the newly available listings and Open Houses of fellow Brokers & REALTORS. When we find what we consider to be a fantastic opportunity we'd like to share it with you. For this week, our two Hot Buys are:

320 Wysteria Way in Sierra Madre - Listed at $1,398,000

and 

317 Parkrose Avenue in Monrovia - Listed at $599,000

For the size, amenities, and location these two homes are both fantastic purchases.

To learn more about them, contact our offices today at 626-358-1858.

All information is deemed reliable though not guaranteed.

Excerpt from the @C21 HOME MATTERS Blog

Our Chief Marketing Officer, Bev Thorne, announced CENTURY 21 is “The Official Real Estate Company” of U.S. Soccer, which includes the Men’s, Women’s and Youth National Teams.

The partnership officially launches March 22nd when CENTURY 21 begins airing its commercials during the Olympic qualifying tournament (CONCACAF). The U.S. Women’s Soccer team has already qualified for the 2012 Olympics, but the men’s tournament starts tomorrow with a match against Cuba at 8 p.m. CT, live on Universal Sports Network.

The CONCACAF tournament runs through April 2nd with two finalists qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in London. Our Smarter. Bolder. Faster.sm television commercials will air during the tournament on NBC Universal and NBC Sports – a total of 46 times – and CENTURY 21 will serve as the sponsor of the halftime show in all six games.

Future spots will appear on NBC, NBC Sports, NBC Universal, ESPN and ESPN2 as well as during the 2012 Olympic Games this summer. Lastly, CENTURY 21 will also receive field signage during select matches and print ads in the Men’s and Women’s National Team programs.

As the most recognized, global brand in real estate, CENTURY 21 is thrilled to sponsor the world’s most popular sport. Watch for the CENTURY 21 spots during each game and good luck to the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team as they begin their journey to gold in 2012!

Check your local listings for game times.

Top 5 things that may scare potential buyers off.

 It is vital for sellers to make their home attractive to potential buyers. When listing your property, consult with your REALTOR® to determine an accurate and fair price. If the local competition has a substantially lower listing price, your property will most likely remain on the market.

Curb appeal is crucial, so the facade of your home should be inviting, not alarming. Remove clutter from the yard, spruce up the landscaping and freshen up the entryway with new paint and exterior lighting. Make sure the walkway to the home is not hazardous; any cracks in the steps, pavement or concrete should be repaired. Also, proper exterior lighting is essential, as some showings may be at night or dusk.

Don't let the odor of smoke or pets deter buyers. If necessary, hire professional carpet cleaners before your first open house and employ scented candles or air purifiers. Buyers will be anxious to exit, rather than stay and tour a home that has offensive odors.

As buyers explore your home they shouldn't have to visualize the space without clutter. Excess furniture, trinkets, family pictures, toys and other items tend to detract from the existing space and totally obscure any attributes of the home. Remember, everyone appreciates a clean house. Stains, fingerprints, dust and laundry will likely send buyers to the next house on their list.

Safety tips for heating your home.

In So Cal, most days are warm but you'd be surprised to know that we do have winter days.. Here are 
our tips to help you stay warm.

1. Have your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected annually by a professional. Glass doors or a metal screen should be placed in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks or hot ash from exiting the hearth.
2. All fireplace ashes should be disposed of in a fire-resistant container and covered it with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from the home’s exterior or other possible combustibles.
3. Make sure any portable heaters you employ are equipped with a tip switch. These switches are designed to automatically shut off the heating unit in the event the heater tips over.
4. Follow the recommended safety instructions on all heaters. Heaters that run on fuel should be vented and space heaters usually need a minimum of three feet from any object or person. Never use space heaters to dry clothes or leave on overnight.
5. Ovens and stoves are not to be used to heat your home. They produce fumes and may become fire hazards if they are used as a heat source instead of their intended use of food preparation.
6. If you are using supplemental portable electric heaters, never use an extension cord. Plug them directly into the electrical outlet.
7. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and test the batteries monthly. Detectors should be installed generously throughout the home and secured outside every bedroom.

How to wow potential buyers with your Open House this Spring.

The goal of every home seller is to sell his or her home as efficiently as possible for the highest price. Every seller should clean and stage their home for potential buyers, but see below for what projects should be completed before you put your home on the market.

1. If it’s broke, fix it - This is crucial in the selling process. Repair the broken cabinet or loose railing before buyers view your home. Damage detracts from your home and may make buyers question what else you have not maintained.
2. Shades of grey - Interior paint is inexpensive and revitalizes a space. Covering scratches or wear and tear with fresh neutral paint is aesthetically pleasing and even creates that ‘new home’ look and smell!
3. Floored! - Transform your space by refinishing wood floors, updating tile or professionally cleaning any carpeting.
4. First impressions - Consider replacing your front door, as this is an investment that often pays for itself in the final price of your home.
5. Subtle accents - Fixtures and hardware, such as cabinet knobs, faucets, light fixtures and door handles can be relatively inexpensive and done without a professional.
6. Clear view - Upgrading old windows throughout a home makes a big difference both inside and out.
7. Keep up the facade - Garage doors often account for a large percentage of a home’s front facade. Similar to the front door, homeowners who upgrade or update their garage doors, may see a good return on their investment.

How to wow potential buyers with your open house this Spring.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, sellers enjoy a bump in home sales during the spring and summer months. There are several factors that lead to the rise in sales; children are on summer break, the holiday season is over, ideal weather for visiting homes, and overall,  schedules are often more flexible. Parents are more likely to coordinate a move during the summer months, especially when a move entails changing schools. Also, packing and unpacking  moving vans is much easier when you don’t have to contend with cold temperatures or ice and  snow!

Take advantage of the market upswing and make the most of your spring open house. Capitalize on curb appeal and ensure your landscape is up-to-date. A newly mowed lawn and freshly planted flowers make a great first impression that potential buyers will remember. Remove any clutter that may detract from your outdoor space, such as toys, bikes or gardening tools. Clean outdoor furniture so buyers can linger and if you have a pool make sure it is clean and inviting.

Once inside, potential buyers get to see your home in the natural light, so clean those screens, windows and sliding glass doors inside and out! As with every open house, no matter what the season, your house should be clean and organized, smell fresh and personal photos kept at a minimum. Attention to detail goes a long way, so fix that creaky door, tighten that loose floorboard, and paint over any scuffmarks. Lastly, remember to serve refreshments, think fresh pies to celebrate the season!