2008-07 dena land news
DESCRIPTION
June/July Dena Land News. A monthly newsletter from Linda Lane-White, Keller Williams Realty.Professional Organizer 8 Ways to Cut Vet Costs Ask An Expert For Sale and Sold Active Adults Corner Augusta FinancialTRANSCRIPT
Dena Land News
June/July 2008
A M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R B Y L I N D A L A N E - W H I T E – K E L L E R W I L L I A M S R E A L T Y
S E R V I N G M Y H O M E T O W N O F A L T A D E N A / P A S A D E N A A N D O U T L Y I N G A R E A S
Timing The Market 1
Active Adults Corner 2
Recipe of the Month 2
8 Ways to Cut Vet Costs 2
For Sale and Sold 3
Ask An Expert 4
Ceedub Construction 4
Personal Message 4
Augusta Financial (sponsor) 5
Recent Area Sales 5
Professional Organizer 5
June/July in Dena Land 6
Inside this issue:
445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone: 626-786-1231
Fax: 626-296-1979
www.lindalanewhite.com
In Tune With Your Needs
Linda Lane-White
“Singing” Realtor ®
CA Lic #01091347
Notary Public
Buy low and sell high—
what a great concept and
a great formula for accu-
mulating wealth! The trou-
ble is, how do you know
when the high is high and
the low is low? How do
you know when is the
right time to jump in and
when to jump out? If you
are listening to the media
hype, now is a bad time to
sell, but good time to buy.
What if you need to sell
before you buy? Well,
trying to time the real es-
tate market is a difficult, if
not an impossible, propo-
sition. The only formula
that seems to truly work is
investing in homeowner-
ship for the long term.
According to the Na-
tional Association of Real-
tors®, in 1998 the national
median price of a single-
f am i l y h o m e w a s
$128,400. For this year the
estimate is that the
“national” median will be
$213,700. This is a good
reminder that while in a
short term prices may rise
and fall depending on
many factors, in the long
term they are almost cer-
tain to end up higher.
How can one be sure?
One of the main reasons
for this is the demand.
Mark Twain once said,
“they are always making
more people, but they
ain’t making any more
land.” And the U.S. Cen-
sus Bureau seems to
agree. According to their
c e n s u s P o p C l o c k
(www.census.gov/cgi-
bin/popclock) the popu-
lation of the U.S. increases
by one person every 11
seconds. They estimate that
our nation’s total population
should reach 400 million in
2050, compared to today’s
304 million. And all these
folks will need a place to
live, thus driving the hous-
ing demand (and prices)
higher.
I believe that trying to
time the market is a futile
endeavor, especially if you already own a home. If the
market is hot, and the
prices are high, you will
be selling your home for a
high price, but you will
be buying your next one
also during the same time
of high prices. If the mar-
ket is bad, and you are
selling your home at a
loss, you will likely buy
your next home during
the same bad market, so
you will pay less for it. In
either case, it evens out. But
in the long run you should
come out on top. And you
will benefit from home
ownership in more ways
than one.
One of the great financial
benefits of home ownership
is Uncle Sam’s favorable tax
treatment. By being able to
write off your mortgage
Is It Possible To Time The Market?
Home Office: 519 Alameda, Altadena, CA
interest payments on your tax
returns, you save hundreds of
dollars in taxes annually com-
pared to someone who rents.
Also, when you sell your
home, the profit (capital
gains) is tax-free in many in-
stances. Need I mention that
you also have more stable
housing costs than a renter?
Plus owning a home is a form
of forced savings - by making
monthly payments you are
able to build your equity over
time. A renter only builds his
landlord’s equity.
Still many people sit on the
fences, trying to recognize the
right moment, the perfect op-
portunity, to plunge in and
buy a home. They try to time
the market. Is it worth the
wait? In addition to the finan-
cial benefits, there are other
benefits of owning a home.
The freedom. The ability to
personalize your living space
to suit your needs. Having
more space. Not having to
deal with a landlord or share
walls with noisy neighbors.
Actually knowing your
neighbors as opposed to hav-
ing them change every few
months.
And the economy changes
over time. Since 1983 we had
two relatively long periods of
economic expansion, and only
short periods of recession in
between. That represents an
average up-and-down cycle of
ten years. Even if you could
predict the future, and the
economic peaks and valleys,
would you want to wait ten
years to buy a home? You
could miss out on many bene-
fits of home ownership by
waiting, and still end up pay-
ing a higher price in the end.
Page 2 Dena Land News
Garlic Marinated Steaks
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 TBL garlic, minced
2 TBL honey
2 TBL olive oil
2 Tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
flavoring
DIRECTIONS:
In a medium bowl, combine
the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic,
honey, oil, ground black pep-
per, Worchestershire sauce,
onion powder, salt and liquid
smoke. Place steaks in a shal-
low, non-porous dish and
pour the marinade over the
steaks. Rub the liquid into the
meat for optimum flavor.
Cover and marinate in the
refrigerator for 24 to 48
hours. Preheat an outdoor
grill for medium high to high
heat and lightly oil grate.
Grill steaks for 7 to 8 minutes
per side, or until internal tem-
perature reaches at least
145ºF
8 Ways To Cut Veterinarian Bills
Active Adults Corner
Program available to assist seniors
with safety issues
If you live in Pasadena or Altadena, and you are
65 or older, you can receive a free fall-prevention
check-up through the Pasadena Senior Center Out-
reach Department.
A 15-minute home inspection will take place in
your home and specialists will provide information
on community resources for wheelchair ramps,
hand rails, grab bars and many other devices avail-able to seniors.
The service is available from 8:30am to noon
Monday through Thursday.
For more information, or to schedule an appoint-
ment, call (626) 685-6727.
It's really not necessary to spend a lot
of money to show love to your pet …
here are a few ways to cut down on pet
care costs. 1. Pick a vet before you need one.
Pet emergencies can cost a fortune
unless you've established a good rela-
tionship with your local vet, and un-derstand their emergency policies and
costs. I have 2 dogs. One of them,
Spike, is always in need of a lot of
medical attention so you can imagine
how much medical bills could be. I
take him and Charlie to Banfield the
Pet Hospital (inside of Petsmart). I pay
$31/month per dog and the cost cov-
ers annual shots, annual teeth clean-
ings, 2 comprehensive exams a year,
discounts on supplies and nail clip-
pings, and you have unlimited visits
for any questions or problems you may
have with your animal. Ask your friends and neighbors to recommend a
good veterinarian, or ask the animal
loving employees of your local pet
store.
2. Spay or neuter.
First, this is the right thing to do. Sec-
ondly, your pets will be better be-
haved so you will enjoy them more.
And thirdly, spayed or neutered ani-
mals are at a significantly lower risk of
many different types of cancer, so they
will live longer and require fewer trips
to the vet's office. 3. Don't overfeed your pet.
Overweight animals are prone to
heart disease, diabetes and other ail-
ments, and have shorter life spans than
their leaner cousins. Check the pack-age label for the proper amount of
food recommended, or ask your vet.
Also, don't overdo the treats. Not only
is it thrifty to feed your furry friends
properly, but it also helps them live
longer and healthier lives. 4. Pick the right food.
An animal dietitian I spoke to (yes,
there is such a thing) told me that high
quality foods seem to cost more, but
are often healthier for your pets.
Cheap generic brands can contain
many animal by-products that over
time can cause a variety of health problems, and unnecessary vet bills. 5. Don't overdo the shots
According to the American Veteri-
nary Medical 8 Ways to Cut Vet Bills
Association, annual shots are not al-
ways necessary. There are vaccines
that remain effective for two or three
years, so check online or talk to your
vet. 6. Perform basic pet care yourself.
Learn how to clip your
cat's or dog's nails and save money.
Giving your pooch a haircut is also not
very hard. A pair of clippers will cost
you about $20, and will pay for them-
selves many times over. My two dogs
get baths at least twice a month, I trim
their hair, clean their ears and have their nails trimmed at the vet. 7. Ask for discounts.
If you have several animals, take
them in for regular checkups together
as many vets give "group" discounts.
Was your pet once abandoned or a
stray? There are vets who offer dis-
counts to people who rescued their
animals. If you are a senior citizen, ask
for a senior citizen discount. And for
routine medical services try your local
humane society, pet store or animal
control office as they often sponsor
special events where routine veteri-nary care can be obtained at discount
rates. 8. Look for free stuff.
Science Diet and Iams offer free sam-
ples of their foods, as do other compa-
nies. Free advice is also abundant, on
the web and at your local pet store
(where friendly animal-loving employ-
ees are always happy to share their
knowledge).
Short Sale!
June/July 2008 Page 3
This pub l icat ion is for in fo rm at ion a l pu rpo se s on ly an d does not con st it ute le ga l or fin an cia l a dvice.
All information was obtained from sources deemed reliable, and while I do not doubt its accuracy, I cannot guarantee it. Some items provided by CAR Client
Direct and Fidelity National Home Warranty. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.
Who do you know right now who’s looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate? Give me a call or send me an E-mail. I’m never too busy for your referrals to friends or family.
444 Alameda Street, Altadena
This home, that was originally listed as a lease,
SOLD in only 4 days after being put on the
market for sale! Ask me how I did it!
Need to sell or buy a home?
Call me at (626) 786-1231
Unbelievable Price!
728 Colman Street, Altadena, CA
Reduced to Only $649,000
Appraised in 2006 at $986,000
4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath House
2,456 sf home on a 6,840 sf lot
Private Oasis on a Quiet Cul-de-sac
Completely rebuilt in 2006
Short Sale!
2 master suites, 1 with a fireplace, walk in closets
2 master baths with dual sinks, Jacuzzi© Tubs,
separate standing glass showers, & Toto low flow
toilets
Stainless steel Dacor stove, Jenn-Air refrigerator,
Insta-Hot dispenser
2 Rannei gas “tankless” water heaters
2 HVAC units
2 bedrooms downstairs, 2 master suites upstairs
Huge family room upstairs
Wrap around balcony
Large yard
Pool with child proof security fence
Spa with multi colored lights
Built In BBQ with sink located on covered porch
New copper plumbing throughout
New electrical wiring throughout
New roof
More Info? Call Linda Lane-White (626) 786-1231
www.728Colman.com
Make an Offer! Make an Offer!
Page 4 Dena Land News
Q: What happens if the appraisal for the home I’m buy-
ing comes in lower than the purchase price?
A. Hopefully, your agent has put in the contract a provision
that deals with this eventuality. Since you cannot get a loan
for more than the appraised value, and the seller will have a
difficult time finding another buyer who is willing to pay more
than the home is worth, it is in the interest of both parties to
try to work this situation out. Normally, you would try to get
the seller to agree to a lower price that would match the appraisal. If the
seller balks at this idea, and you absolutely love the house, you can consider
paying the difference between the purchase price and the appraised value in
cash, through a higher down payment. If you are not in a position to do this,
the only remaining option is to cancel the contract and look for another
home. But, again this must have been clearly spelled out in the contract in the
very beginning so that you don’t lose your earnest money deposit. Have a tough real estate question? Call me or drop me an e-mail.
Linda Lane-White (626) 786-1231 or [email protected]
Ask an Expert
I’ve had a few people ask me if I missed sending them my Newsletter for the past 2 months. Don’t worry,
you didn’t miss them—because I never produced them. First of all, in April, the Tax Man had cometh and he
took all of my time away. Then May just crept up on me and before I knew it, the month was almost gone!
Yikes! Trying to help raise funds for fellow classmate, Victor Wright, participating in the Revlon Run Walk for
Women, Mother’s Day, birthdays, a funeral in New York, renovating a mixed use building in Pasadena and
meeting city requirements and, of course, assisting my clients—came first. This newsletter came secondary. I
know that many of you may think that someone else must put this newsletter together for me. Wrong! I do this
all by my lonesome! Microsoft Publisher really comes in handy! Thank you, thank you so much for your pa-
tience during this newsletter’s absence. And for those of you who called me wondering where the current
month’s newsletter was, I’m very flattered. I felt like something was missing the whole time—my contact with
you!
Hi! Did You Miss Me? A message to my readers.
Garth Kemp and I at the Revlon
Run/Walk for Women Chris White (Ceedub Construction)
volunteering at Victor Wright’s house Victor Wright & Dorothy Wright
Project Wildfire—John Muir High Alumni, Victor Wright, Class of 1979 —PLEASE HELP! In May, Rebuilding Pasadena
brought together some volunteers to assist in some renovations to Victor’s home. His home still needs a bit more help and you
can get involved. In my next issue of Dena Land News, I will go into further detail about how Victor has helped and inspired
hundreds of people. In the mean time, please give me a call at 626-786-1231 or go to http://taylordark.com/wright.html.
This is a great time to remodel,
add on or re-build.
CEEDUB
CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL & LIGHT COMMERCIAL
With over 30 years of experience, we
work with you to achieve your dream.
Call Today For A Free Estimate
(626) 786-1229 CHRIS WHITE, OWNER
Ca Lic #883002
www.ceedubconstruction.com
June/July 2008 Page 5
When Buying or Refinancing...
Call Peter First Peter Cosfol
& Augusta Financial
Get Pre-Approved Senior Loan Officer
Augusta Financial is a service oriented mortgage company that specializes in residential financing. We
have many loan programs to help our clients with all of their mortgage needs.
Peter offers the best pricing with the lowest fees!
Peter will personally address all of your questions and concerns regarding the loan process!
Augusta Financial makes the loan process seem easy!
Augusta is both Broker and Mortgage Banker!
We offer In-house processing and funding!
NO MONEY DOWN - NO MONEY FOR DEPOSITS - NO PROBLEM!
Excellent customer service!
(661) 260-2970 Office · (661) 291-2234 Direct · (818) 281-1466 Cell
Recent Area Sales (** Linda Lane-White represented the buyers)
Need a Professional
Organizer for your
spring/summer clean-
ing chores or to ready
your home for sale? A
good friend of mine
from church, Sherry
Cavallo, works in the
San Gabriel area.
She’s also very active
with the Altadena
Heritage organization.
You can contact her at
626-372-5948 or
e m a i l h e r a t
smc.organizer@gmail.
com She’s ready to
help YOU!!
Days on
Market
Date
Sold
Sale
Price Address City
Bed/
Bath
S.F.
Home
S.F.
Land
27 05/30/08 450,000 2534 Glenrose Ave Altadena 2/1 936 5575
6 05/28/08 990,000 1760 Alta Crest Dr Altadena 3/2 1895 12816
261 05/12/08 580,000 1678 Midwick Dr Altadena 3/1 1564 8400
215 05/14/08 585,000 3380 Florecita Dr Altadena 3/2 1599 8410
132 05/27/08 500,000 176 Principia CT Claremont 3/3 1674 condo
5 05/16/08 390,000 735 Cordelia AV Glendora 3/2 1157 5610
78 05/20/08 492,000 214 S Vermont AV Glendora 4/2 1451 6000
6 05/22/08 755,000 5140 Ocean View Blvd La Canada 2/2 1372 16073
0 05/30/08 580,000 **2746 Brookhill St La Crescenta 3/1 1064 6894
4 05/15/08 350,000 500 S Oak Knoll Ave #5 Pasadena 2/2 1158 condo
156 05/28/08 351,000 260 Barthe Dr Pasadena 3/2 1313 7000
88 05/23/08 470,000 1705 N Fair Oaks #108 Pasadena 3/3 1620 2542
8 05/08/08 359,900 1468 Atchison St Pasadena 2/1 696 10137
14 05/08/08 735,000 2441 Brigden Rd Pasadena 3/2 1682 8527
8 05/21/08 1,230,000 1134 N Holliston Ave Pasadena 3/3 2222 11883
331 05/16/08 689,000 1468 Brixton Rd Pasadena 3/2 1574 8240
7 05/21/08 325,000 973 E Villa St #6 Pasadena 2/2 1043 20787
332 05/16/08 675,000 2040 N Altadena Dr Pasadena 3/2 1720 8960
35 06/04/08 555,000 797 Iron Bark LN San Dimas 3/4 2367 24328
81 05/28/08 630,000 918 Calle Carrillo San Dimas 5/3 2662 10559
176 05/22/08 759,900 7346 Chantilly Ln Tujunga 4/3 3296 8000
49 05/22/08 305,000 6530 Tokay Rd Tujunga 3/1 1086 4390
June/July Happenings in Dena Land
June 20 - 7:30-11:30pm. Robert Kyle and his Brazilian Trio at Red, White & Bluezz in Pasadena at the corner of Raymond & Green.
June 21 - 10am—7pm. There’s music all around us in Altadena and Pasadena. Beginning at 10am, Make Music Pasadena will take
place at various venues throughout Pasadena. Call 626/793-8171 or see www.makemusicpasadena.org. Then beginning at 12:00pm,
Farnsworth Park will be hosting “Juneteenth” with jazz, zydeco, blues and gospel music throughout the day. I’ll be there in the late
afternoon manning the Christmas Tree Lane Association booth. Oh, and don’t forget the Jazz Fest at Levitt Pavillion beginning at 3pm.
Call 626/683-3230 or see www.levittpavillionpasadena.org Enjoy!!! June 21 and 22—11am. Long Beach Bayou Festival. Altadena’s own Robert Kyle plays with Linda Hopkins and her band at 3:30.
www.longbeachfestival.homestead.com Prices vary. June 22 - 12pm-7pm. Chubby Checker and Pat Boone at Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park. 120 Via Verde Dr., San Dimas. CA. FYI, Mike
Antonovich informed me that Chubby Checker will be performing at around 3pm and Pat Boone will be at around 4:30 or 5:00. Tick-
ets are $20 for reserved seating, $10 for sit anywhere, parking is $5 and kids under 12 receive free general admission. 909/599-8411. June 22 - 6pm. After you’ve gone to see the senior entertainers perform, head on over to Brookside Park for the Senior Olympics
Celebration BBQ. Sponsored by the Pasadena Senior Center. $10 for guests and free to Senior Olympic Athletes. 626/685-6754. June 24 to Aug 26 - 6-7pm every Tuesday. Memorial Park Bandshell at Raymond and Walnut. The Pasadena Senior Center sponsors
Concerts in the Park. Call 626/795-4331 or pasadenaseniorcenter.org FREE June 25 to Aug 13 - 7pm every Wednesday. Concerts in the Park. San Dimas Civic Center Park 245 E Bonita Ave. FREE
June 28, July 12,26 - Concerts in the Park at Farnsworth Park in Altadena. Top of Lake Ave. 626/798-6335
July 1 Hands free driving goes into effect. No phones held by your hands to the ears are allowed. While driving you can (but should-
n’t) dial. Speakerphone, Bluetooth and an earpiece over 1 ear only is allowed. July 4 - 82nd Annual AmericaFest at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. The Americafest Family Fun Zone will open mid-afternoon and will con-
tinue throughout the day and evening. There will be plenty of barbeque and other culinary treats, beverages, crafts, product exhib-
its, inflatable rides for the kids and more. General admission tickets priced at $13 each and children 7 and younger admitted free.
Parking is $15 per car. Information is available by calling (626) 577-3101. www.rosebowlstadium.com July 6 to Aug 24 - 6pm every Sunday. Concerts in the Park. Sierra Madre Memorial Park 222 W Sierra Madre Blvd. FREE
July 14, 2008 is the deadline for submission of a teacher candidate for the 2008 Freedom Fund Scholarship and Teachers’ Award
Luncheon “Saluting the Stars of Education” taking place on Sunday, Nov. 16 at the Castaway Restaurant in Burbank. The Altadena
NAACP is preparing for this and their goal is to salute the teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students and peers. For
information contact Tami Tucker-Thomas at [email protected] or call Judy Matthews at 626-827-1900.
Heads Up! August 3rd at 7:30, my brother, Clayton Lane aka Nicky Grant, will be performing at the Ice House in Pasadena.
Summer Day Camps in Altadena start up on June 23rd at Farnsworth and Loma Alta Parks and on July 7th at Charles White Park. And the
Loma Alta Park pool opens June 21st. Loma Alta: 626/797-8903, Farnsworth 626/798-6335, Charles White 626/794-3807.
Pasadena Market Center
445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cell: (626) 786-1231
Office: (626) 204-3436
Fax: (626) 296-1979
Home Office: 519 Alameda, Altadena
In Tune Wit h Your Needs
www.lindalanewhite.com
If You Would Like To Receive This
Newsletter on a Regular Basis for
Guaranteed Delivery (Snail or E-Mail)
Call me or send me an E-Mail...LLW
Linda Lane-White “Singing” Realtor® CA Lic #01091347 (since 1990)
Notary Public (since 1987)
Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Search the MLS on my web site!
Please help save
CHRISTMAS TREE
LANE
Call me for details!
626/786-1231