PASADENA REAL ESTATE BLOG

WHY TO BUY

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:32:00 +0000

Your Pasadena Realtor for Buying or Selling Real Estate
Ramiro Rivas
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY PASADENA, CA

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:08:00 +0000

Enjoy this tour of our Keller Williams Realty Pasadena office.

Ramiro Rivas
626-497-4606 or Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

PASADENA

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Enjoy this video we produced on Pasadena, CA

BUNGALOW FOR SALE: 599 N. MADISON AVENUE, PASADENA

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 20:57:00 +0000

OPEN HOUSE 10/17 SUNDAY FROM 1-4PM

599 N. MADISON AVENUE, PASADENA

4 BEDS/3.5 BATHS

2,560 SQFT INTERIOR - 11,526 SQFT LOT

SELLING TIPS: BUYER INCENTIVES

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:17:00 +0000

The worst thing that can happen when selling a Pasadena home is watching it sit on the market, week after week, month after month, with no one making a purchase offer. Buyers may look at the home but they simply don't come through with a contract. For sellers, every extra month on the market is another wasted mortgage payment they could be making toward a new house.
Why does this happen? Most often, it's because the sellers have priced the home above the market. Reducing the price is usually necessary.

There are other ways to bring Pasadena buyers to the contract table. They're called "incentives," and you can use them to ensure the fast sale of your home by plugging them into your marketing plan at the outset.

I know lots of ways to ensure that you sell your Pasadena home quickly at the right price. Please give me a call or email for a FREE consultation.

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Homes for Sale
626-497-4606
Email Ramiro

REVERSE MORTGAGES

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:45:00 +0000

How the New Reverse Mortgage Option Can Keep You in Your Home

If you or someone you know is struggling to make ends meet in their golden years, the new reverse mortgage option might provide the right solution.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I am committed to providing my clients — and consumers in general — with the latest updates and programs coming out of Washington, such as the FHA's (Federal Housing Administration) new, modified version of its Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) product, available on or after Oct. 4.

According to FHA, the HECM loan is a reverse mortgage that enables older homeowners to utilize the equity in their homes to cover everything from living expenses to health care costs. The loan allows homeowners to do this while remaining in their home, without having to make the mortgage payments traditionally associated with an equity loan.

FHA's HECM Saver is a second reverse mortgage option for the purpose of lowering upfront loan closing costs. HECM Saver will have an upfront premium of only 0.01% of the property's value. This is ideal for homeowners who want to borrow a smaller amount than generally associated with an HECM Standard loan, where the upfront premium will remain at 2%. According to FHA, under the HECM Saver option, borrowers will receive approximately 10-18% less than they would receive under the HECM Standard option.

In either case, be sure to take into consideration that the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for both the HECM Saver and HECM Standard will be charged monthly at an annual rate of 1.25% of the outstanding loan balance.

HECM borrowers are offered a variety of options, including:
-Receiving the funds as a lump sum at the time of loan origination
-Establishing a line of credit
-Fixed monthly payments that are disbursed for as long as the homeowner continues to live in the home.

Finally, know that even though funds are advanced to the borrower and interest accrues, the outstanding amount does not have to be repaid until the borrower dies, leaves the home or sells the property. At that time, if the balance due on the loan exceeds the value of the home, FHA insurance pays the difference.

If you'd like more information, please contact me via e-mail or visit www.hud.gov. And please forward this e-mail to family and friends who might also benefit from this information.

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Homes for Sale
626-497-4606
Email Ramiro

NEW CONDOS & LOFTS: MISSION COMMONS IN SOUTH PASADENA

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:20:00 +0000

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Real Estate
626-497-4606
Email Ramiro!

VOTED BEST PASADENA REAL ESTATE BLOG

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 00:02:00 +0000

The Pasadena real estate blog http://www.pasadenahomesandlifestyle.com/ has been nominated by Zillow as one of the top blogs in Pasadena. Voting is fast and easy. Click the link or image below:

Vote: Pasadena Homes And Lifestyle

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Real Estate
626-497-4606
Email Ramiro!

PASADENA MODERN CONDO FOR SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 01:01:00 +0000

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Realtor
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

Pasadena Condos for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 21:28:00 +0000

Pasadena, Ca has become one on the best urban locations to live in Southern California. Here are some useful links on Pasadena Condo and Townhome living:
Pasadena Condos for sale
Pasadena Condos, Townhomes and Lofts
South Pasadena Condos

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Realtor
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

Pasadena Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:39:00 +0000

Pasadena Architectural Craftsman

Home for Sale
Offered at $699,000
1,978 sqft Interior - 10,498 sqft Lot

See the Visual Tour - See the Biography

True Architectural Craftsman Beauty Designed By David M. Renton And built In 1913. This Home Boasts Four Bedrooms, Two Baths, And Hardwood Floors Throughout. This Craftsman Home Has Great Wood Details With Amazing Built-Ins. The Large Living Room And Large Dining Room Make This Home Ideal For Entertaining. The Kitchen Is Spacious And Features Plenty Of Cupboard Space And Has A Large Breakfast Bar. All Rooms Are Spacious And Functional For Your Desired Use. Additional Features Include A Cozy Fireplace, Large Outdoor Yard, Updated Electrical/Plumbing, Central Air & Heat, And Bradbury & Bradbury Wallpaper In Dining Room.

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:

Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Realtor
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

PASADENA CITY HALL - PHOTO BLOG

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Tue, 18 May 2010 19:01:00 +0000

PASADENA CITY HALL - PHOTO BLOG

BEAUTIFUL DETAIL

COURTYARD

Pasadena Homes for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Tue, 18 May 2010 17:52:00 +0000

Search all active Pasadena Homes for Sale.

Pasadena Homes for Sale from $250,000 to $400,000

Pasadena Homes for Sale from $400,000 to $600,000

Pasadena Homes for Sale from $600,000 to $800,000

Pasadena Homes for Sale from $800,000 to $1 Million

Pasadena Luxury Real Estate from $1 to 2 Million

Pasadena Luxury Real Estate Over $2 Million

Market Update for May 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Mon, 17 May 2010 04:40:00 +0000

Real Estate Market Update for May 2010

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:

Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Realtor
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

Spring Electrical Safety Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Mon, 17 May 2010 04:33:00 +0000

Spring’s warm weather is a great time for yard work, swimming and many other outdoor activities. At work or at play, it’s important to keep electrical safety in mind. Here are some tips to help you stay safe around electricity when you’re outdoors.

-Look up and look out for overhead power lines. Be mindful of any nearby lines before you climb a ladder or extend the handle of a pool-cleaning tool.

-Keep materials, tools and all parts of your body at least 15 feet away from any overhead power lines at all times. If you plan to get any closer, state law requires you to make arrangements with TEP that will allow your work to proceed safely. Keep this in mind when installing or repairing an antenna or satellite dish or preparing your evaporative cooler for summer use.

-Before you trim tree limbs and shrubs, watch out for power lines that could be hidden by foliage.

-Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers for frayed power cords, broken plugs and weathered or damaged housings before every use. Don’t use damaged equipment until it has been repaired properly. Keep tools unplugged and stored in dry areas when they are not in use. And always use an insulated extension cord designed for outdoor use with the correct power rating for that equipment.

-Always keep power cords and electrical equipment away from water, wet grass or other wet areas. Keep this in mind when using electric-powered mowers or other lawn equipment.

-Never fly kites or model airplanes near power lines. If a kite does get tangled with overhead lines, don’t try to get it down yourself, as a kite string can conduct electricity.

-Keep vegetation and permanent structures away from the large, green ground-level boxes that house components of underground electrical systems.

-Treat all electric lines with caution and respect. Even low-voltage electric lines and cords can be hazardous if damaged or improperly handled. And if you Ever see a downed power line, call 911 immediately; don’t get near it.

For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:

Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Realtor
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

Pasadena Homes for Sale, Bungalow Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:02:00 +0000

Pasadena Homes for Sale
Their are many great California Bungalows and Craftsman Bungalows for Sale in a Pasadena. Visit the link above to view available homes for sale in Pasadena.

NEW PASADENA REAL ESTATE WEBSITE

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:23:00 +0000

Pasadena Real Estate

A new Pasadena Real Estate and Community website has recently launched 1 week ago. This site is sponsored by Ramiro Rivas & Associates with Keller Williams Realty in Pasadena. The power of this hybrid website utilizes the latest internet technology with a blog format.

At http://www.pasadenahomesandlifestyle.com/ you can search over 50,000 active homes and condos for sale. Find all Pasadena Homes for Sale. There is also a foreclosure page featuring foreclosures throughout Southern California as well as Pasadena Foreclosures and short sale listings.

PACIFIC ASIA MUSEUM PASADENA

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Swanson) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:47:00 +0000

Located east of Old Town on Los Robles in Pasadena, the Pacific Asia Museum has a permanent collection of over 15,000 objects. Since it’s opening in 1971, the museum houses its collections and temporary exhibits in a historic building that was constructed in 1924.

Aside from the collections of rare art, the Pacific Asia Museum has a varying schedule of lectures, performances, and classes, which include different types of art instruction, yoga, meditation, and haiku study groups. Pacific Asia Museum calendar of events.

Admission
Tickets to Pacific Asia Museum may be purchased upon entrance.
Discounts are available for students and seniors.
•$9 for General Admission
•$7 for Students and Seniors
Free for Children Ages 11 and Under
Admission to Pacific Asia Museum is free to all visitors on the fourth Friday of each month

Parking
Free parking is available in the Pacific Asia Museum parking lot on the corner of Los Robles Avenue and Union Street, directly north of the museum.

Pacific Asia Museum
46 North Los Robles Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 449-2742

www.PacificAsiaMuseum.org

Photos and article:
ERICA SWANSON
RIVAS & ASSOCIATES

818-257-1054
ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM

WWW.RIVASESTATES.COM - WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM

T. BOYLE'S TAVERN, PASADENA

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Swanson) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:49:00 +0000

If you are fond of beer and pretzels, pool and darts, than you will be right at home at Pasadena’s newest bar, T. Boyle’s Tavern. Stepping down from the alley, into the semi-subterranean, brick walled bar, you feel as if you are at an old pub in Boston, maybe even on the set of Cheers. It’s seems to be a place where everyone knows each other’s name. It would be easy to become a regular. The selection of beer is extensive and well priced, which is all they currently serve. They are working on getting an additional wine and full-bar license with the city. There is plenty of entertainment between the dart boards, shuffle board, free pool tables, the wall to wall flatscreens, and the large stage from which bands play.

The owner, Troy Boyle, has successfully turned this back into the true tavern that it originally was from an underground Latin club. I’ve been told that the location served as a Speakeasy during the prohibition in the 1920’s. The mounted moose and deer heads that hang over the original, dark Mahogany wood bar make it hard to imagine that it was ever anything but a cozy, local tavern.

T. Boyle’s Tavern
35 N. Catalina Ave
Pasadena, Ca 91106
(626) 578-0957

ERICA SWANSON
RIVAS & ASSOCIATES

818-257-1054
ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM

WWW.RIVASESTATES.COM - WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM

PASADENA REAL ESTATE: 2009 HOME VALUES

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:23:00 +0000

Pasadena Real Estate: Market Update
2009 Home Prices on For Sale vs. Sold

Having pulled the median prices, month-by-month, of the Pasadena Homes that sold and the Pasadena Homes for sale that were active, it shows a slight increase in the home prices through 2009. Luxury listings tend to stay on the Pasadena real estate market longer which is why the average median price of Pasadena Homes for sale on the market is considerably higher than the median price of the homes that sold each month.

Search for: Pasadena Homes for Sale and Pasadena Condos for Sale

RAMIRO@SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM
626-497-4606

KELLER WILLIAMS PASADENA
445 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE; JANUARY 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:16:00 +0000

January 2010 Real Estate Market Update

Visit our website to get more info on Pasadena Homes for Sale for sale and Pasadena Foreclosures

RAMIRO@SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM
626-497-4606

KELLER WILLIAMS PASADENA
445 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

A LOS ANGELES DAY TRIP: THE PASADENA GOLD LINE

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Swanson) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:54:00 +0000

The light rail Metro Gold Line spans 13.7 miles linking Pasadena, starting at Sierra Madre Villa in the east to the Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, which from there will continue through Little Toyko and ending at the Atlantic station in East Los Angeles.

Aside from using the Gold Line as a form of transportation to and from work, it is a great way to explore the cultures of the communities around Pasadena. If you feel the need to “get away” on a day off you can depart on the gold line from any of Pasadena’s six stations. The Pasadena Gold Line will take you to Highland Park where you can visit the Southwest Museum, to Chinatown where there are many restaurants and great art galleries, or the Union Station to visit the historic Olvera Street for a colorful taste of Mexican culture.

It’s much more relaxing to explore the culture’s of Los Angeles when you don’t have to worry about the stresses of freeway traffic and parking.

The Southwest Museum of the American Indian is an ideal destination to learn about the history of the native people that once solely inhabited Los Angeles. The Southwest Museum’s collection representing the Native American is second largest, next to the Smithsonian Institute. The Gold Line’s Southwest Museum Station is located at the base of Mt. Washington, just below the museum.
www.autrynationalcenter.org

Chinatown is home to an eclectic community of shops that sell a wide array of bargain priced items. There is also a diversity of restaurants rants that are consistently featured in the food and dining section of the Los Angeles Times. In addition to shopping and dining, there is a surprising amount of art galleries that will build an understanding and appreciation for the Chinese art culture, especially in visiting the Chinese-American museum.

Chinatown Los Angeles is a great place to experience the celebration of the Chinese New Year. Chinatown will be hosting a series of events on February 20th and 21st to welcome the New Year of the Ox.

www.ChinatownLA.com

Olvera Street is also known as the El Pueblo Historic Monument and is thought by many to be the birthplace of the city Los Angeles. In walking through the traditional Mexican style plaza area that features 27 stores, you feel like you are in a quaint town in Mexico. You can shop for many handcrafted items or dine at one of the restaurants serving authentic cuisine and feel like you are away. On weekends there is outdoor entertainment featuring Mariachis, Bollero Musicans and performances by Aztec Indians and folkloric dancing. Olvera Street is just outside of the Union Station, at 845 N. Alameda Street.

ElPuebloDeLosAngeles.com
www.Metro.net

ERICA SWANSON
RIVAS & ASSOCIATES

818-257-1054
ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM

WWW.RIVASESTATES.COM - WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM

Pasadena Foreclosures; Shadow Inventory

noreply@blogger.com (Ramiro Rivas) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:21:00 +0000

The Pasadena Real Estate Market has been holding steady with home sales going up. What most people don't know is that Pasadena, like many other other cities, is flooded with what is called shadow inventory. What is Shadow Inventory? Shadow Inventory are foreclosure properties not on the MLS (multiple listing service). These properties are comprised of:

Preforeclosures, homes that have a NOD (Notice of Default) filed
Auction Scheduled NTS homes
REO, bank owned homes not on the MLS

Many say that preforeclosed and NTS homes cannot be considered as shadow inventory, because they have not been been foreclosed on. The reality is that most people behind on their mortgage are typically behind due to financial distress. Most banks will not forgive a large debt and most loan modifications are not approved. Hiring a short sale specialist may be helpful to avoid foreclosure, but the chances on a short sale approval is slim.

As a Pasadena resident, I see this Shadow Inventory everywhere. A great way to spot these foreclosed homes is by looking for the following:

Boarded up windows
over grown landscaping
notice of "Do not trespass" typically on the front window(s)

Visit our website to get more info on Pasadena Real Estate for sale and Pasadena Foreclosures

RAMIRO@SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM
626-497-4606

KELLER WILLIAMS PASADENA
445 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

PASADENA DANCE STUDIO: FRED ASTAIRE

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Swanson) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:04:00 +0000

Fred Astaire dance studio in Pasadena offers classes for people of all ages that want to learn many forms of dance. Fred Astaire is a ballroom studio that teaches ballroom, rhythm, Latin, including popular dances such as Foxtrot, Waltz, Quickstep, West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, American Tango, Argentine Tango, Samba, Rumba, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Country, and many others.

In consideration towards dance studios in Pasadena, Fred Astaire seems to provide a larger studio space in comparison to other dance studios in the area. They also have social events, including "Club Social", where all dancers come to practice the dances they've been working on to get a chance to break out all you've worked so hard to learn and have fun with your friends. Food and Beverages are included with a $10 cover.

From beginner, to advanced, to professional levels, whatever you want from dancing, they seem to offer it, including:

•learning how to dance as a beginner
•social dancing for fun
•becoming a better salsa dancer for night clubs
•becoming a better dancer at public ballroom dances
•working on a dance for a wedding
•sending your kids to learn ballroom dance
•taking your existing dance skills to a higher level
•joining a team to work on a show or event- dance sport competitions locally and across the USA.

Dance Center of Pasadena
1368 North Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91104
(626) 797-4700
www.pasadenadance.com

ERICA SWANSON

RIVAS & ASSOCIATES

818-257-1054

ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM

Mission District Loft in South Pasadena, CA, Offered at $699,000

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Swanson) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:47:00 +0000

For Sale: Studio/1BA Loft in South Pasadena, CA, $699,000

For more information on this listing: 812 Fremont Avenue #103, South Pasadena

ERICA SWANSON
RIVAS & ASSOCIATES

ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM
818-257-1054

WWW.RIVASESTATES.COM - WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM