Real Estate Commandment #3, thou shalt learn how to leave an efficient telephone message
Don’t you loathe the cryptic message: Hi it’s Phyllis Harb, please call me If I had the time I could play phone tag to that message all day long.
In my opinion, the proper message is: Hi, this is Phyllis Harb with Prudential CA Realty,(now this is where I state the reason for my call): I am calling regarding your listing on Descanso to find out if it is available and if you are currently working on any offers. Now doesn’t that make everyone’s life easier? When my call is returned and I if am not available and another message is in order, it is simple for my question to be answered – no need for phone tag!
Related Posts: Real Estate Commandment, thou shalt treat people fairly and with respect
Real Estate Commandment #2, Professional Courtesy
30% of Pasadena home sales are cash - so what's a home buyer to do?
Would be Pasadena home buyers need to be keep in mind that 30% of Pasadena home sales are going to cash buyers. That’s some stiff competition. And on average cash buyers are paying over asking price.
Short Sales and foreclosures comprise less than 10% of this market. 
Related Posts: How to succed in buying a home in today’s real estate market
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LA Weekend: Los Angeles Weekend Events May 17th – 19th Weekend
May 17th is National Bike to Work Day – and my new listing at 1539 Garden Street is the ideal location for those studio workers looking for an easy commute. Open Sunday 2-4, bike over and say hello. Adjacent to Chandler Bike Path, is my other new listing at 930 N. Brighton St. which is also open.
La Canada, Descanso Gardens:
Patina Wine Tasting, Friday, 6:00 PM
Beauty & the Beast, Saturday, 11:30 AM,
Pasadena, A Craftsman’s Tour of The Gamble House, Saturday, 8:45 AM
Pasadena Victory Park Kids Costume Bike Parade and three mile ride,
Saturday, 11 AM
Pasadena: Bike-In Movie – featuring Napoleon Dynamite, Friday, 8 PM
Los Angles Griffith Park, Public Star Party Saturday 2 PM – 9:45 PM
Opportunity for the entire family to look at the sun, moon, visible planets, and other objects, to try out a variety of telescopes, and to talk to knowledgeable amateur astronomers about the sky and their equipment.
Glendale, Verdugo Park Fun & Fitness Ride Sunday, 8 AM
Help raise money for low-income and homeless children. Three types of activities to promote bicycling: a bicycle safety skills training and practice course, a moderate route ("Ride & Glide"), and a challenging 33 mile route ("Gear Grinder"). Following the ride, participants can also enjoy live music, food and fitness related vendors, and tons of other activities. (818) 863-6155
Only an hour and a half drive to the Oxnard Strawberry Festival Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Real estate commandment #2, Extend Professional Courtesy
Real Estate Commandment #2: Thou shall act as a professional and extend professional courtesy
Last week, I was helping a client with comparables on his La Canada home for an appraisal. As real estate values are soaring, I have found the best comps to be very recent sales and those which are in escrow. I reviewed the MLS (multiple listing service) printed out the recent solds and in escrows and proceeded to go down the list of those La Canada homes in escrow, contacting each real estate agent to learn:
1) How many offers they had
2) When they were closing
3) How much over asking price they were in escrow for
There were about ten really great in escrow comps, one Realtor wouldn’t share much information with me only that it sold way over asking. I reminded her assistant I was only asking for the purpose of my client’s refinance and asked if I had the appraiser contact them directly would they share that information directly with the appraiser – the answer was still no.
Then there was another local Realtor who is notorious for not returning telephone calls; didn’t surprise me he was the only agent to not:
1) Take my initial call OR
2) Return my call OR
3) Respond to my email
Would be home buyers and sellers it truly does make a difference which Realtor you hire!
My second interesting scenario is that I have a new listing at 930 N. Brighton. My clients are move up buyers and want to find a larger home. I contacted three top Real Estate agents in Burbank asking if they had a listing coming up that would work for my Brighton seller. If so, they would have the pleasure of one of their existing clients having the inside track on Brighton. The only Burbank agent courteous enough to respond to my email was Judy Graff. (Thanks Judy would love to work with you).
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Spotlight on local business: Montrose Needle in a Haystack
I don’t knit, or crochet, but my mother and aunts do. It’s a talent that has eluded me and my type “A” personality. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in Montrose for lunch with my husband’s aunt. She too knits and we walked into Needle in a Haystack. It’s a knitter’s paradise. 
Established in Montrose in 1973, the shop offers, everything for the needle worker including knitting, crochet, needlepoint, and cross stitch supplies. On Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 AM – 1 PM, they have a group class, bring your project and get help. Sit with like minded crafters. $15.00 per class looks like a nice way to spend a couple of hours. Maybe a couple of prepaid classes would be a nice gift idea for Mom.
Related Post: Spotlight on Glendale’s Sparr Heights
La Crescenta Real Estate Values
The La Crescenta real estate sales have seen a dramatic drop in foreclosures. There has only been one La Crescenta foreclosure resale this year. Short sales continue to have an impact on the market, but a lesser one. Prices for La Crescenta real estate continue to increase and the low absorption rate indicates an extremely favorable seller’s market.
Click here for the address of each La Crescenta home sale
Just Listed: 1539 Garden Street, Glendale 91201
Rancho Adjacent: This charming traditional Glendale home has been treasured by its owner for the last eighteen years; her meticulous care is evident throughout. The living room offers fireplace, crown molding, a large bay window and a Dutch door entry to enjoy a fresh breeze. Additional features include a spacious and bright eat in kitchen, laundry room, hardwood floors, central air and copper plumbing. The yard has been primarily landscaped with an eye towards both nature and the environment with drought resistant plants. The detached 2 car garage has multiple work benches.
www.1539GardenSt.com
2 + 1, Year Built: 1939, Assessor’s apx. sqft.: 1123, $475,000
Open House Schedule: Wed 5/15 10 AM - 1 PM
Sunday 5/19 2-4 PM
LA Weekend, Los Angeles Weekend & Mother’s Days events & actives 5/10 – 5/12
My father was a fireman; while growing up it was always a treat to visit him at work. This Saturday every child can visit the fire station! 
Fire station Open House 10 AM – 5 PM LA County includes La Canada – check your local station
Sunland – Tujunga Historic Home Tour, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM
After five years, it’s back! The tour will feature five unique, interesting and historic homes. In addition, you’ll receive a list of over a dozen “drive-by” locations; see where interesting things used to be.
One Colorado Pasadena: Each Saturday in May Live Music in the Courtyard
Related Post: Mothers Day brunches, celebrations and gift ideas
How to succeed in buying a home in today's real estate environment
On the other hand: Natalie just sold a La Canada home and the owner had to quickly sell their townhome. It was a rush for them to get it in show condition and for us to get the marketing in place. But we pulled it off and the townhome came on the market last week and sold for over asking in just a few days.
Although, it was sold I held it open as advertised. I was surprised over how many disappointed home buyers there were. Advice to potential home buyers:
1) If you think this home is the one to make your real estate dreams come true, don't wait for the open house. Go see it as soon as possible.
2) Write a strong offer: quick timelines, few contingencies, strong on offered price.
3) React quickly to the seller's counter offer. Don't drag your feet. Time is a home buyers worst enemy. The longer you wait, the more opportunity for others to jump in.
4) Don't argue with insignificant seller terms that you feel are unreasonable - don't sweat the small stuff.
Related Post: Foothills Home of the Week
La Canada home sales gain momentum
About the Author
Cited as a “Super Agent” by Los Angeles Magazine, Phyllis Harb has been a dynamic and creative real estate force in both mortgage lending and real estate for over two decades. She is certified as a Senior’s Real Estate Specialist, Short Sale Specialist and is ranked among the top 5% of Realtors nationwide.
(818) 790-7325
Phyllis@RealtorHarb.comwww.RealtorHarb.com
DRE License # 00848750
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