July's Market Update

Welcome to your monthly "Market Update". Let's take a look at residential Real-Estate activity in Zip Code 91016 during the month of July.

The number of active listings was down 34% from one year earlier and down 2% from the previous month.

As you can see, the median listing price for the month... was just under $550K.

Compared to last year, the average number of days units spent on the market before being sold was down 32%. This lower number of days may signal a positive trend in the local inventory-turnover rate.

Meanwhile, The median sale price was over $550-thousand dollars.

Overall, The number of units sold decreased 14% year-over-year and Increased 28% month-over-month

Thanks for visiting us, we hope you use this information to make smart, informed decisions in your upcoming real-estate transactions. Feel free to contact us for more information or further assistance.

http://www.century21.com/real-estate-information/91016-monrovia-ca/LZ91016

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.

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.

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!

Welcome Colonial Folks

From Our Poet Laureate Jim Gupton Welcoming our Joining CENTURY 21 Colonial REALTORS:

Here at Adams & Barnes,
we are a really happy crew.
If you're here from Colonial,
it is our pleasure to welcome you.

We hope you find us friendly
and a good place to be.
Everyone wants to make you comfortable,
as soon as you will see.

So come on in the coffee is hot,
soon Judy will assign you a spot.

Welcome to CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes

Super Bowl XLVI is right around the corner, and so is the CENTURY 21® Super Bowl Commercial!

For the first time in the 40-year history of our brand, we will air a commercial during the most watched television event of the year.

The Super Bowl has a unique place in American television: when the commercials air, viewers actually start paying more attention to the broadcast. Did you know that over 111 million people are expected to watch this year's Super Bowl, and I hope you will be watching and see CENTURY 21 Agents right in the middle of it!

On February 5th, tune in to your local NBC station to watch as CENTURY 21 Real Estate takes a new place in history! We are sponsoring a full half-hour segment in pre-game, and we air 11 pre-game commercials during that day. And of course, as our finale, our special :30 Super Bowl commercial will air in the 3rd quarter of the game itself.

Don’t forget to watch and vote for us! You’ll see exactly how to cast your vote for your favorite commercial on Super Bowl Sunday at century21.com.

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

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.

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

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.

The CENTURY 21 System Launches Innovative Tool

Have you recently listed your home for sale, or do you plan to do so soon? If so, then you probably understand the importance of marketing your property on the Internet. After all, a recent National Association of Realtors survey of home buyers and sellers found that about 90 percent of home buyers use the Internet to search for a
new home.

CENTURY 21 home listings typically appear on over 500 websites, which provide extensive exposure for our listings. With so many websites, however, it can be overwhelming to monitor the effectiveness of online marketing efforts. That’s why the CENTURY 21 System has introduced an exciting new tool that will make it easier for CENTURY 21 Agents to monitor the online activity of their listings—and to keep sellers up to date on who’s looking at their homes online as well as any leads resulting from those views.

Called “The Golden Ruler,” this reporting tool also helps Agents keep better track of online listings and their marketing efforts. That means that sellers will have more extensive information, in real time, as to how their online listing is performing.

The Golden Ruler is an innovative way that CENTURY 21 supports the online marketing efforts of our sellers and Agents.

The Golden Ruler will not only keep sellers up to date on which websites their homes are listed on, but it will also indicate the number of page views, visits and leads.It provides information about the geographic area that leads are coming from and how similar properties are performing within the CENTURY 21 network of websites as well.

Interested in learning more about The Golden Ruler and other tools we use to market our listings? Give our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes offices a call today at 626.358.1858 - Monrovia or 626.963.7621 - Glendora.

Congratulations - Karen, Joe, Linda Jo & Jacen!

Capping off a year of challenges, hard-work and lots-of- coffee the team at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes finished 2009 in a positive note and with a healthy outlook for 2010. Many of our newer associates have begun to reap the rewards of the hours they have invested in their clients and that momentum is starting to pay-off in this new year. Because of this, the forecast for achievement in the next months is sunny and bright.

Now, as CENTURY 21's award season begins, four company stand-outs are receiving special recognition from the brand's top-brass. In 09, our own Karen Taylor-Straley, Joe Garcia, Linda Jo Pyle and Jacen Crehan distinguished themselves individually as they posted outstanding sales stats and off-the-charts customer satisfaction marks.

In addition to brand trophies and company commendations, which will be presented at our yearly award banquet, "the four" have been invited to an exclusive Top Agent retreat later this year at Atlantis: Paradise Island resort in the picturesque Bahamian islands.

They will join hundreds of other nationally recognized CENTURY 21 real estate pros who have amassed their own respective achievements. The three day event is chock-full off educational and networking opportunities for attendees. There they will have the opportunity to brain-storm and showcase that many ways in which they are making strides through this challenging market.

On behalf of the entire management team at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes we'd like to
congratulate, Karen, Joe, Linda Jo and Jacen for all they have and continue to accomplish. We look forward to all the wonderful snap-shots they are sure to share when they return.

Make us proud and come back with a healthy Bahamian tan.

We got the holiday spirit!

Every company has its traditions and at CENTURY 21 Adams and Barnes we look forward to our yearly Holiday Breakfast and Gift Exchange.

With dozens of our agents on-hand and a pleasant break in the weather, the team got together in downtown Monrovia for the anticipated festivities.As always, our very own Mr. and Mrs. (Tom and Sally Adams) were on hand to emcee the morning and coordinate the gift exchange.

The morning was full of laughs as usual as our agents browsed through the secret bags, made some colorful choices and "stole" prized items from one another.

Some big announcements were shared with the team that sets the company poised to take advantage on an increasingly healthier real estate market in the year to come.

Altogether it was another wonderful get-together and it reminded everyone the importance of friendship, good company, laughter and a little revelry. To see all the photos of this year's events we invite you to join the CENTURY 21 Facebook fan page. And also, from our team to yours, Happy Holiday season.

Should You Use a Real Estate Agent for Your Home Sale?

For most people, a house is the largest investment they’ll ever make. Yet when it comes time to sell that investment, some opt to do so on their own, without the help of a real estate professional. These do-it-yourselfers are known as FSBOs—short for “for sale by owner.”

It may be tempting to go it alone. But many FSBOs end up listing their home with a real estate agent anyway. That’s because an agent offers many advantages, such as:

• Local market knowledge. An agent knows what other houses are available and will price your house right. She will perform a comparative market analysis to determine its fair market value and will list at a price that will draw buyer interest without compromising value.
• Negotiating skill. Your real estate agent will negotiate on your behalf when you receive an offer—from price to date of possession to any necessary repairs.
• Exposure. FSBOs tend to market a house with signs, newspaper ads and online listings. Yet, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2009 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 42% of FSBOs sell to someone they already know. What happens if you don’t know someone looking for a house? That’s where an agent has a huge advantage. An agent has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that lists homes for sale. An MLS listing is seen by other real estate agents—around the world—therefore bringing a tremendous number of buying opportunities to the table.
• Prequalifying buyers. Why open your home to anyone who sees your sign? Your agent will prequalify potential buyers to make sure they are really interested in purchasing and are financially able to do so. That means you don’t have to allow strangers into your home who aren’t qualified or serious.

For more information about selling your home, or for a complimentary comparative market analysis, call our CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes offices today at 626.358.1858 (Monrovia) or 626.963.7621 (Glendora)

CENTURY 21 REAL ESTATE LLC LAUNCHES HOUSING INDUSTRY’S FIRST BRANDED YOUTUBE CHANNEL

PARSIPPANY, N.J., – CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC, franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, recently launched a branded Channel on YouTube (www.youtube.com/century21), the leading online video community, that is dedicated to helping people showcase and search for real estate around the world. Aimed at sellers, buyers and enthusiasts, the Channel will provide the opportunity for customers and agents to create and submit user-generated content. In addition, to officially launch the branded channel on YouTube, the CENTURY 21 System held a national consumer-generated video contest.

“The CENTURY 21 System understands that in order to serve our clients and meet the demands of today’s market, we must lead the industry with the most current home buying and selling platforms,” said Robert Schwartz , vice president of national marketing for Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “During the next year we will continue to build on this momentum with additional Web-based innovations to help our agents and our clients navigate the world of real estate in a digital era.”

Instead of the traditional photographs, virtual tours and videos on today’s real estate sites, videos uploaded by agents and sellers on YouTube will have a personal touch that can help a prospective buyer better decide which homes may be right for their needs. A video voiceover can highlight areas of interest in the home, as well as showcase recent home upgrades or renovations to the potential buyers.

Locally, REALTORS at CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes have picked up their video cameras and begun directing their own creations. For some time, they have been using video and the web to showcase their listings and the YouTube channel is an ideal location for their marketing solutions.

To see videos created by the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes team, visit their website at www.c21ab.net/acentury21ab/video

About Century 21 Real Estate LLC
Century 21 Real Estate LLC (www.century21.com) is the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System. The System is comprised of more than 8,300 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 58 countries and territories worldwide. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services.

Ó 2008 Century 21 Real Estate LLC, A Realogy Company. CENTURY 21 â Is A Registered Trademark Licensed To Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.

YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes at 2008 Relay For Life / Monrovia

Once again, the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes team laced up their sneakers, braved the heat and camped out for Monrovia's Relay for Life event this April.

Joined by over 20 teams and hundreds of volunteers, expectators and walkers, the team helped raiser over 102K (still counting) over a month's long fundraising campaign and the two-day relay at Recreation Park in Monrovia.

The team's theme was "Rockstars Againts Cancer" and it included a booth that allowed the public to try their Guitar Hero talents on a Playstation 2 console that was projected on a movie screen after dusk. Coupled with a top-of-the-line sound system, the booth was a big hit with kids and walkers.

The night was topped off with a Luminaria ceremony that celebrated the life and survival of men, women and loved ones who have struggled against cancer. A path of light gave Relay For Life participants the opportunity to remember and strenghten their resolve to battle a disease that afflicts so many.

The CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes team, lead in 2008 by Jacen Crehan - REALTOR, is again proud to join fellow Monrovians at this years Relay and we look forward to making a difference again in 2009.

Real Estate Team Celebrates At Annual Awards Dinner

Over 80 of CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes' REATORS and Sales Associates came together earlier this month to celebrate the company's successes in 2007,The Real Estate firms' top agents were presented with certificates outlining their achievements in the previous year. The evening also served as a sales rally for the company when Broker/Owner Adams (far right) looked positively at the opportunities 2008 holds for the team.Finally, owners Tom & Sally Adams (center & far right) were awarded the CENTURY 21 System's CENTURION & Quality Service awards by corporate representative Andrew Cooper (left). Altogether, the evening was a celebration of success and good things to come.