60http://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.comMon, 08 Feb 2010 14:54:55 GMTMon, 08 Feb 2010 14:54:55 GMTen Phyllis@RealtorHarb.comnohttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/08/la-canada-housing-statistics--january-2010.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbWhile George was at the Super Bowl, I had a quiet weekend. For those of you who participated in my survey: How did this Realtor spend Monday afternoon I surprised most of you. I actually had a location company to my home to see if it could be used in film or commercials. We’ll see if that ever turns into a paycheck – wouldn’t that be sweet! Now time to get back to those real estate statistics. Of the 7 January, La Canada home sales, 1 (14%) was a short sale, 2 (29%) were REO’s ...La CanadaReal Estate Market Statshttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/08/la-canada-housing-statistics--january-2010.aspx#Comments4967bf68-370b-43a2-941d-5079a1900c41Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:22:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/06/in-real-estate-jargon-what-does-coe--3-mean.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbCOE is a real estate acronym for close of escrow. COE + 3 translates to: Possession to the buyer is three days after escrow closes. If escrow closes on Tuesday, Tuesday is day one, Wednesday day two and the third day (possession is Thursday). Much of what is indicated in the residential purchase contract is negotiable. Certain items such as allocation of escrow and title fees are customary in certain neighborhoods. Possession to the buyer is typically negotiable and often runs the gamut from possession at closing to seller rent backs. ...http://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/06/in-real-estate-jargon-what-does-coe--3-mean.aspx#Commentsda3592c1-d094-4003-ae84-ee2848f14ac6Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:32:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/05/how-did-this-los-angeles-realtor-spend-monday-afternoon.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbAlthough, being successful Realtor requires that I or one of my team members is available seven days a week, it can be easy to schedule a morning or afternoon off. There was something that I really wanted to do and just hadn’t gotten around to it. Click Here for PollOnline SurveyEnterprise Feedback Management | Website Polls | Email Marketing | Crowdsourcing SoftwareView MicroPoll ...In a Realtor's Weekhttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/05/how-did-this-los-angeles-realtor-spend-monday-afternoon.aspx#Commentse5f7458a-f99c-4eec-bdd3-3cd308dd6505Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:03:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/04/pasadena-housing-statistics--january-2010.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis Harb“Figures don't lie, but liars figure”. - Samuel Clemens (alias Mark Twain) Of the 44 January, Pasadena home sales, 5 (11%) were short sales, 11 (25%) were REO’s (real estate owned aka foreclosures), and 28 (64%) were traditional sales. It is not surprising that the days on market (DOM) is longer for short sales which require lender’s approval of the final selling price and shorter for REO’s as the banks want to get the homes sold, closed and off the books. Short sales are selling @ 102.68% of list price, REO’s, 100.83% and ...Real Estate Market Statshttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/04/pasadena-housing-statistics--january-2010.aspx#Comments212dacce-e690-4cdc-9828-f9712b583e19Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:06:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/03/why-would-this-property-sit-vacant-for-twenty-years.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbIn 2004, I met an interesting gentlemen who contacted me because he had inherited an Eagle Rock adjacent property. After inheriting he proceeded to renovate it: new plumbing, roof, electrical, drywall, gutted kitchen and baths. He purchased luxury cabinets which you might find in a multi million dollar home and then never hung them. The nearly finished renovation stopped. In 2004, I prepared a market assessment for him, but nothing much happened. He would contact me from time to time or when he received a random offer, but nothing ever happened and he ...Resaleexpired listinghttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/03/why-would-this-property-sit-vacant-for-twenty-years.aspx#Comments07fff885-602a-4469-bb1a-bb5997b7a500Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:33:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/02/what-is-a-walk-in-bath-tub.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbI saw my first one last year in a La Canada home for sale. A walk-in bathtub allows the bather to walk into the tub, rather than climbing over or stepping in. Considering the slip and fall risk in bathtubs, it’s an interesting concept and the tubs can be combined with a shower feature as well. Although, they may have a limited appeal for resale, it may be a good solution for someone you know. ...Resalehttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/02/what-is-a-walk-in-bath-tub.aspx#Comments166c0fe1-e012-460c-a033-e42725c3ae8dTue, 02 Feb 2010 11:18:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/01/discount-fabrics-and-gift-items.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbOnce you purchase your new home or condo, you will find that decorating and furnishing can take a big bite out of your budget. My friend, Irene recently told me about Villa Firenze in Studio city. For nearly 30 years they supplied home textiles to stores such as Expo, The Great Indoors, Z Gallerie, and Anthropologie. I went to the store and the warehouse and recommend the warehouse only if you are looking for window coverings. Bargain items are primarily pillows and window coverings, but they have an assortment of gift items and baubles. ...All about MoneyLos Angeles Events and Things to dohttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/02/01/discount-fabrics-and-gift-items.aspx#Commentscddb3f49-8022-4b33-a155-dad7ca347ec5Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:48:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/30/valentines-day-gifts-with-the-planet-in-mind.aspx?ref=rssLisa Marie TorresRED IS OUT! GO GREEN THIS VALENTINE’S DAY!! Here are some great Valentine's Day gift ideas with the planet in mind:-Instead of buying a paper card this year, consider sending an e-card. If you must buy a paper card then buy a card made from recycled or tree-free paper (this will be indicated on the card)-Buy Fair Trade and/or organic chocolate. Most health food and organic markets carry organic chocolate-Buy organic and/or locally grown flowers-Arrange dinner at a local restaurant which specializes in organic or locally grown food. Or, think about cooking an intimate meal at home-Buy a gift certificate ...Green Livinghttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/30/valentines-day-gifts-with-the-planet-in-mind.aspx#Comments6875efa8-35f5-4e7c-a5f1-44cec26a109dSat, 30 Jan 2010 08:31:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/29/what-is-a-trophy-property.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbAccording to Wikipedia, “A trophy property is a real estate term sometimes used to describe the top 2% of properties within a given subcategory, although the term is typically used in reference to residences, architecturally or historically preserved properties..” Every community has a handful. Today, I am closing one of La Crescenta’s trophy properties: The Howe Residence, an incredible example of 1920’s Spanish Colonial architecture. Congratulations to this fortunate home buyer. ...ResaleIn a Realtor's WeekLa Crescentahttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/29/what-is-a-trophy-property.aspx#Comments2bb6d63d-3cf7-4bbf-bc04-154eabf00860Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:33:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/28/whos-number-one-in-real-estate.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbYou're number one! But I was proud to be included in Dickson Podley’s top ten luncheon (for our six offices) yesterday at the Derby in Arcadia.The Derby is popular with Santa Anita Race Track fans, jockeys and staff, and I haven’t been in over a decade. Both the lunch and the company were great and I was delighted to be included. ...In a Realtor's Weekhttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/28/whos-number-one-in-real-estate.aspx#Comments01b6bc05-ea2f-4986-9ba1-ae47d7dc7809Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:34:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/27/los-angeles-area-golf-club-homes.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbWhen George and I first started dating, he took me to La Canada Country Club for a day of golf. I broke my finger (true story). I am not a golfer, the game is too slow for me but for those of you who are, let's take a look at Los Angeles golf course homes and memberships into some of our local country clubs. La Canada Flintridge Country Club (818)790-0611The 18 hole course rating is 67.4 and it has a slope rating of 122. Membership: One year trial $1,000 if upgraded within the first quarter applied towards ...Los Angeles Events and Things to dohttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/27/los-angeles-area-golf-club-homes.aspx#Comments9994d36c-a58b-47a1-b82a-55ed37c60b6eWed, 27 Jan 2010 13:18:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/26/homowners-learn-what-the-chinese-new-year-has-in-store-for-your-home.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbPerhaps the New Year didn’t start out the way you hoped. The good news is that you have another chance to get on the right New Year’s foot. The Year of the Tiger begins February 12, 2010 and ends February 2, 2011. You have an astrological sign, but what about your home? After “analyzing”, the Chinese Zodiac, I have determined your home’s horoscope for 2010. Just check the year your home was built to determine what the Year of the Tiger has in store for your home. Rat:Look forward to: Love ...Humorhttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/26/homowners-learn-what-the-chinese-new-year-has-in-store-for-your-home.aspx#Commentsc8b4499e-6cd2-4568-bd8f-02340f24a696Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:31:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/25/saturday-was-a-lovely-day-for-this-los-angeles-realtor.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbGeorge & I walked the dogs at Hahamongna Park with a friend and her dog. It was so beautiful with the snow on the mountains and it was fabulous to be outside and not in the rain. I received an email earlier in the week from a potential home buyer who wanted to interview a few Realtors. I returned his email and phoned him as well. He told me that he contacted three real estate agents and I was the only one to respond. Hmmmmm………Anyway I showed him and his wife one Glendale home. ...In a Realtor's WeekLos Angeles Events and Things to dohttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/25/saturday-was-a-lovely-day-for-this-los-angeles-realtor.aspx#Comments80ba6b48-fdd7-4ff9-92e9-dfedd1763774Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:14:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/23/moving-across-the-country.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbI am a real estate agent in Los Angeles County. My home and office are located in the Foothill Community of La Canada, California. I was born and raised in Glendale and have always resided in Southern California. I am very familiar with most Los Angeles communities but certainly some more than others. During my real estate career, I have sold over 1,000 homes in Los Angeles County. My primary neighborhoods of expertise are Burbank, Eagle Rock, Glendale, La Canada, La Crescenta, Montrose and Pasadena. However during the course of ...A Buyer's Perspectivehttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/23/moving-across-the-country.aspx#Comments2784718d-0809-4486-a63a-64eab473989bSat, 23 Jan 2010 12:51:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/22/los-angeles-valentines-day-events-2010.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbWho’s your special someone? Spouse, friend, mother, sibling, child, partner, pet? .... it was only during the 14th century that St. Valentine's Day became definitively associated with love. UCLA medieval scholar Henry Ansgar Kelly, author of "Chaucer and the Cult of Saint Valentine", credits Chaucer as the one who first linked St. Valentine's Day with romance. *La CanadaDinner or picnic at Descanso Gardens, February 14, 5:30 PM & 8:00 PM, (818) 790-3663*Los AngelesFluid Presents Femme Fatales Pre Valentine’s, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, February 10, 9:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Price: $10.00 21 & over, ...Things to dohttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/22/los-angeles-valentines-day-events-2010.aspx#Commentsf5306ef3-d57f-4c8a-ad7a-6f71c389e703Fri, 22 Jan 2010 11:00:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/21/timing-a-new-la-canada-listing.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbTraditionally, the "spring" home buying season, theoretically the busiest time in the marketplace, begins the day after the Super Bowl. Why this is so has never been clear, but it probably has something to do with finally being able to pry spouses off the couch to tour houses. This year, "spring" arrives later than usual: The big game is Feb. 7. When I first list a home, I often like to hold back to back open houses during the first week. • The listing is new and exciting and there will be lots of showings, it ...La Canadahttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/21/timing-a-new-la-canada-listing.aspx#Commentse0f60d5d-b0c4-42d0-b8a2-4472a20c6e8aThu, 21 Jan 2010 10:05:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/20/sand-bags-at-my-la-canada-home.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbFortunately, we are in the flats of La Canada and far from the hills and the mud slide danger. We have a clogged drain in my driveway and earlier in the week after just the first rain storm, I had to sweep the water in order to divert to another drain. I asked a certain someone at my home to get some sandbags or to clear the drain. Well that someone picked up the sandbags, but didn't bother to get the sand; filled the bags with our fireplace wood and called it a day. ...Homeowner's Benefits and Woeshttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/20/sand-bags-at-my-la-canada-home.aspx#Comments37771b72-3a5e-40d4-88e5-71faca565e8aWed, 20 Jan 2010 20:57:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/20/mandatory-evacuations-in-la-canada--la-crescenta.aspx?ref=rssLisa Marie TorresUnfortunately a few of our friends/clients have been evacuated due to the heavy rains. If you are concerned about loved ones in La Canada or La Crescenta you can check to see which residences are under mandatory evacuation by clicking on the city. For more information on announcements and safety preparedness go to CARE. ...Homeowner's Benefits and WoesLa CanadaLa Crescentahttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/20/mandatory-evacuations-in-la-canada--la-crescenta.aspx#Comments188af524-e35d-4b4b-a7c6-d9195960ba23Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:25:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/20/a-200000-lending-mishap.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbOn Christmas Eve, I and another Realtor diligently worked to put my Encino condo in escrow. But upon receipt and review of the preliminary (prelim) title report, there was a problem, a big problem. There is what is considered a cloud on title: “The effect of a document entitled “Notice of Default”, recorded November 14, 2008 as Instrument No. xxxxxxxxx of Official Records”. So what the heck does that mean? The condo was a probate sale, the owner had passed away, and I was selling the condo for his heir. ...Lendershttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/20/a-200000-lending-mishap.aspx#Comments31b872ea-ad4a-4701-901e-f24f0978b6f5Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:36:00 GMThttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/19/does-your-los-angeles-home-have-star-appeal.aspx?ref=rssPhyllis HarbDo you enjoy watching the home shows on television? Perhaps your Los Angeles home can benefit from one of the following: Carter CanBenefit: $3,000 in materials and a five-person construction and design crew headed by Carter Oosterhouse Seeking: Do you have what some have told you is an impossible home improvement project plus a compelling, feel-good reason for wanting it? Do you lack the time, know-how, inspiration or perfect space? Looking for homeowners in Los Angeles who have a tender-hearted story motivating their home improvement project request. Apply here: Don’t Sweat It Benefit: A ...Homeowner's Benefits and WoesHome Staginghttp://los-angeles-real-estate-blog.com/2010/01/19/does-your-los-angeles-home-have-star-appeal.aspx#Comments0114e096-6c55-4408-9830-7322a59d42d1Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:51:00 GMT