Many Angelenos are amazed that in certain neighborhoods, public schools are a way of life.  Families flock to these neighborhoods and the communities are filled with children.  George and I were fortunate to move to La Canada in 1993 during the last down turn.  Our daughters have attended the local public schools since kindergarten.  Many people move to the Foothills, because of award winning public schools, low crime and/or less traffic.  

Most first time home buyers who contact me, prefer to purchase 3 or more bedrooms, 2 or more bath homes.  Depending on their price range, sacrifices might be made.  A buyer might be willing to give up a second bath if the home is completely updated.  We are all different and our needs are different.  Location may be critical to one client while another home buyer is looking for the largest square footage they can afford. 

Quite often we don't know exactly what we "need" until we find it, but home buyers will need an experienced real estate agent to help them with their search (call me!) 


Presently inventory is a little light; and there are several reasons: 1) Many savvy Los Angeles Realtors prefer to time their listings.  Why list a home the week before Super Bowl?  2) FNMA has a foreclosure Moratorium until the end of this month

Much of what is currently on the market is what didn’t sell last year. Inventory should be picking up in the next several weeks and there will be a better selection of homes for sale.  But, let’s look at averages.  If you are a first time home buyer check out the average price for 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes which sold in 2008.  This should provide you with an idea as to what you might expect to pay for a "typical" home in La Canada, La Crescenta and Montrose.


Hopefully the above graph will give you an indication which community is within your budget.