News, Photos & Up-Comming Events of the CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes Sales & Marketing Team

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

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.



Monday, August 12, 2013

MAKE YOUR HOUSE LOOK BIGGER TO POTENTIAL BUYERS

No matter what the square footage is of your home, there is always potential to make it appear larger and more appealing to potential buyers. An offer can depend on whether your property is interpreted as a cozy bungalow or cramped old cottage. The difference between these two descriptions often depends on staging and utilizing the space effectively. Here are some tips on how to make the most of a small space.

  • Crisp and clean. First and foremost, your home should be clean and free of any fingerprints, scuffmarks and dust. Dirt and grime can detract from even the most spacious of rooms. 
  • Let in the light. Natural light is a major selling point. Open curtains and blinds to illuminate every room and make sure those windows are streak-free. Eliminate clutter. Clutter on countertops can make a space feel cramped. Even if you ordinarily store the blender, knife set and toaster oven on the kitchen counter, store these items away when potential buyers are viewing the property. The same goes for bathroom counters. 
  • Invest in built-ins. Built in shelves, bookcases and wall units provide both a showcase and storage without seeming clunky. Built-ins often add interest to a small space with architectural detail.
  • Think neutral. Bold paint color can make a room seem smaller, consider white or neutral tones to enlarge the space.
  • Minimize for maximum results. An oversized couch or extra wing chair can overwhelm a room. Don't cramp an averaged-sized room with unnecessary furniture.
To learn more tips or to speak with a friendly CENTURY 21 Adams & Barnes Sales Association about the value of your home in the current market please contact our offices at 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621.




Monday, June 17, 2013

Perk up your porch for less.

The first image one has of a home is the entryway. Guests should be greeted with an inviting space. Here are some inexpensive ideas to brighten up your porch to make it enticing for prospective buyers.

  • Color. If you don't want to invest in a new front door, simply paint the one you have. Color is an instant way to add a new element to your facade. If you like the natural look of your wooden front door, consider re-staining it to look like new. Also, hardware, such as knobs and doorknockers can be easily swapped out and upgraded for a new look.


  • Lights. Lighting is a great way to add interest and safety to the entrance of your home. If the expense of an electrician to install outdoor lights is out of the question, consider adding lanterns or flameless candles on either side of the door or steps. This will light the entry and create an inviting space.


  • Plants. Consider adding potted plants to the front porch. Choose plants or flowers according to the season, consider colorful tulips in the spring or mums in the fall.


  • Digits. The options for house numbers are seemingly boundless. Every size, material and style is available and prices range from inexpensive to astronomical. Select numbers that fit your budget and design. The numbers can go on the home itself or between the steps. However, they should be visible from the front of the home.


  • Welcome. The entrance should be well lit and safe. A welcome mat or small outdoor rug may prevent slips, in addition to catching any dirt before entering the home.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Cómo ser ecológico y ahorrar ecológicamente en su nuevo hogar.

Una casa es una gran adquisición y todos los nuevos propietarios saben que cada dólar cuenta. Aquí hay algunas ideas simples que ayudan a proteger al medio ambiente y a su bolsillo.


Compre un cabezal de ducha de alta eficiencia. Esto reduce el consumo de agua y los costos de energía.


¿Desea renovar sus electrodomésticos? Considere electrodomésticos que ahorren energía, que tengan el logo “Energy Star”. Según el sitio de Energy Star, los electrodomésticos calificados como “Energy Star” usan entre un 10 % y 50 % menos de energía y agua que los modelos estándares. Recuerde preguntar por descuentos, especialmente si compra varios electrodomésticos al mismo tiempo.


Use el programa correcto. Configure su termostato para que se adecue a los horarios de su hogar. Baje la temperatura durante el día cuando no haya nadie en casa y de noche cuando los ocupantes estén durmiendo. Además, intente mantener una temperatura moderada, en vez de encender la calefacción o el aire acondicionado para cambiar drásticamente la temperatura.


Utilice ventiladores en vez del aire acondicionado. Considere usar ventiladores para hacer circular el aire de verano en vez de optar por el aire acondicionado que es más costoso y menos respetuoso del medio ambiente.


Aísle y cierre las brechas. Las brechas o grietas escondidas dentro del hogar conllevan una pérdida abundante de calor durante el invierno y de aire acondicionado en los meses de verano. Selle cualquier fuga en todas las ventanas y puertas, en el ático y alrededor de las chimeneas. Es posible que sea necesaria la instalación de un aislamiento correcto o la sustitución del techo.

Sustituya las luces con luces LED o lámparas fluorescentes compactas. El costo es mayor inicialmente, pero las luces usan menos energía y duran más.

Si tiene preguntas por favor llamenos al 626-358-1858 or 626-963-7621. Estamos aqui para alludarlos.



Monday, May 13, 2013

Spring Safety Checks

Spring is an ideal time to review your home for safety. Here are some suggested precautions that may help keep your family safe.


  • Ten-year expiration. While you are going from room to room to update your clocks, check all the smoke detectors. Detectors should be located on every level of your home and be no more than ten years old. Replace all batteries and test each unit.
  • Five-year expiration. Check all CO detectors. The US Product Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends replacing any units that are more than 5 years old. Sensors lose effectiveness after 5 years. Again, replace the batteries and test each unit.
  • Check the gauges on any fire extinguishers in your house or vehicle to make sure it is still functional. Replace if the inspection tag is expired or missing, the locking pin is damaged or missing, or if the handle or nozzle is broken or cracked.
  • Be prepared. Daylight saving-time is an ideal opportunity to update your emergency kit. Dispose and replace any outdated food, batteries, or medicine. Make sure your kit has enough food and water for three days.
  • On the go. Check your car-emergency kit. In addition to jumper cables and flashlights, consider some cold weather gear and water.
  • Spring is the perfect time to go over an emergency plan with your family. Designate a safe meeting place and evacuation routes in the event of a fire.
If you desire more information about this topic or any of our others on our blog, please contact our team or Real Estate professionals at 626-358-
1858 or 626-963-7621.


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Monrovia, California, United States