Realtor Responsibility - Condominium Lockbox-Mania I know I cannot be the only Realtor with this pet peeve.   Today, while previewing/reviewing condominiums for an upcoming client, I came across the bane of many buyer agents----searching for the condominium but only after attempting to find the lockbox.   Even in a smaller complex, with only one active(or pending) listing...there were no less than five lockboxes.....all without any unit or agent identificiation.  So I opened each lockbox to play the "is this the one???" key that will open the unit I hope to sell my client.  Oh my, wouldn't it be easy to sell if the lockbox had been identified.  But wait---what about all those other lockboxes---there was actually a key inside one----wouldn't that off-market seller been surprised to see m... 11/10/2010

           Enjoy a quiet peaceful day taking in exquisite art collections at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena, California. The museum was founded in 1922 and incorporated two years later. After becoming incorporated, the museum secured 9.5 acres of land and a 22 room Victorian house known as the (Reed mansion) in Carmelita Park. The primary goals of the museum, was to establish a museum and library of art. The museum still holds true to its name, with its exhibits that demonstrate the richness and history of the collections! For more information regarding the Norton Simon Museum please visit the link below: http://www.nortonsimon.org/ What wonderful way to spend a quiet day to ponder and wonder around, this great treasure of a place!   11/10/2010

Who Knew? Trulia Gives Awards- This morning I received the following email and certificate below from Trulia Voices (Trulia's Bog). "In recognition of this achievement, your VIP status will be shown on your profile and across our site. You will also enjoy more exposure throughout Trulia as well as higher ranking within our Find a Pro directory." So What does this mean to you fellow AR member? What this means is you should be syndicating your blog to as many relevant blog sites as possible to gain as much  "Google Juice" as you can! I have Coach Katerina to Thank for all of her private coaching in blogging and blog syndicating. Thanks Kat! Copyright © 2010 By Stephen Munson,Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate –Homes For Sale Pasadena ca*Who Knew? Trulia Gives Awards- Level 1 VI... 11/10/2010

Short Sale FAQ's-Can I receive cash from a Short Sale? No, Home Short Sales are only designed to get you out of your mortgage debt rather than going through the entire foreclosure process. It is not a refinance option and you will be vacating the property, as you would, if you were going through foreclosure.   More Short Sale FAQ's (frequently asked questions). Avoid Foreclosure-What Are your Choices? Sometimes walking away may be your only option. This may be the case especially if you feel you've exercised every option, including a loan modification. But before you walk away, make sure you know what your options are and how they will affect your credit. You may be able to Avoid Foreclosure and walk away with less of an impact on your credit than you think. Get comprehensive informati... 11/10/2010

Pasadena, California is full of wonderful historical buildings and homes. The historical Edmund Blinn House is no exception! This amazing house was built in 1905. The Edmund Blinn House was designed in the Prairie School style by architect George Washington Maher. It was listed as a historical place in 2001. Today the Edmund Blinn House is the home of the Women’s City Club of Pasadena. For more information regarding the Edmund Blinn House please visit the link below: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Blinn_House#Women.27s_City_Club What a great piece of history in our own backyard! CHEERS 11/09/2010

  Come and see the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California! You will get to see the most beautiful floats decorated with roses, flowers and exotic natural materials from around the world. The very first Tournament of Roses dates back to 1890. It was started by members of the Pasadena Hunt Club. The members were former residents of the East and Midwest and wanted to showcase their new home’s milder winter weather. For more information regarding the Tournament of Roses parade take a look at this link: http://www.tournamentofroses.com/roseparade/ What better way to show off your hometown’s weather by having a festival and parade of roses, while the parade makes its way down Colorado Blvd! 11/09/2010

Short Sale FAQ's-Why would my lender accept less than what is owed on my mortgage? Lenders are in business to lend money, not to own real estate. They do not want the expense of the foreclosure process and/or the holding and maintaining of the property if it does not sell at foreclosure. The foreclosure process is very expensive and time consuming, so many lenders will agree to what seems a loss on the mortgage when they will actually save money by not completing the foreclosure and holding the property in their portfolio.   More Short Sale FAQ's (frequently asked questions). Avoid Foreclosure-What Are your Choices? Sometimes walking away may be your only option. This may be the case especially if you feel you've exercised every option, including a loan modification. But before you wal... 11/09/2010

What is a Short Sale?A Home Short Sale is the sale of a home when the net proceeds do not fully pay off the existing mortgage loan(s) and the Lender is willing to accept a discounted payoff. The closing costs that are typically paid by the Seller are paid out of the proceeds from the sale, including but not limited to, commissions, escrow and title fees and any negotiated Buyer’s cost. Your home is sold and you avoid foreclosure. More Short Sale FAQ's (frequently asked questions). Avoid Foreclosure-What Are your Choices? Sometimes walking away may be your only option. This may be the case especially if you feel you've exercised every option, including a loan modification. But before you walk away, make sure you know what your options are and how they will affect your credit. You may be... 11/08/2010

Homes For Sale Pasadena Ca-Search By Price Range-Search Homes For Sale In Pasadena by Price range. Once you are in the search, you can narrow down your criteria based on: Bedrooms, baths,location and much more. You can search by Zip Code, Neighborhood or Map. This is your direct access to the MLS and all homes that are available right now in each price range. Happy Home Hunting!   Homes For Sale Pasadena-$300-$400K  Homes For Sale Pasadena-$400-$500KHomes For Sale Pasadena-$500-$600KHomes For Sale Pasadena-$600-$700K  Homes For Sale Pasadena-$700-$800KHomes For Sale Pasadena-$800-$900KHomes For Sale Pasadena-$900K +       Copyright © 2010 By Stephen Munson,Munson Realty –Homes For Sale Pasadena ca*Homes For Sale Pasadena Ca-Search By Price Range* 11/08/2010

 Do You Want Lower Property Taxes in Los Angeles County? I have previously mentioned a "scam" that is circulating regarding reducing your property taxes.   The scam involves a payment(seems to be $189 from the few I have seen) in hopes of reducing your property taxes(first installment due November 1 and delinquent after 5PM December 10).  There is no reason to pay for this service!   This is particularly important if you purchased your home in the last few years and now your home is worth less than your purchase price.    It's free and relatively easy, though there are no guarantees that your property's tax will be reduced(I do know of some success stories).  Decline-in-Value (Proposition 8) - What is it? The Los Angeles County Tax Assessor website(check for more details for LA County o... 11/07/2010

If you are thinking about selling your home, it may be wise to review this list of six steps to maximize your bottom line profits.... Six Steps to Maximize Selling Your Home step one:  ready, set, all systems go! replace heating and air conditioning filters check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint deterioration check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose parts check roof for loose or missing shingles, check ceiling and attic areas for water penetration clean areas around indoor/outdoor heat/cooling equipment inspect all faucets for corrosion or hard water deposits that slow water flow have slow running drains cleaned make sure all sinks and bathtub stoppers hold water learn location of electrical service panels and label each circuit have air conditioning con... 11/07/2010

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Avoid Foreclosure-What Are your Choices? Sometimes walking away may be your only option. This may be the case especially if you feel you've exercised every option, including a loan modification. But before you walk away, make sure you know what your options are and how they will affect your credit. You may be able to Avoid Foreclosure and walk away with less of an impact on your credit than you think.           Get comprehensive information on how you can avoid foreclosure and how your options will affect your credit, including Short Selling your home and Alternatives to Short Sales. Copyright © 2010 By Stephen Munson,Munson Realty Southern California Real Estate –Homes For Sale Pasadena ca*Avoid Foreclosure-What Are your Choices?* 11/06/2010

If you want to see beautiful architecture, you must see the Castle Green Hotel (Formerly known as “The Hotel Green”) in Pasadena, California. The Castle Green was built in 1898 and was opened in 1899 by Col. George G. Green of the Patent Medicine Business. This gorgeous historical hotel is a seven story Moorish Colonial and Spanish style building. The Castle Green sits next to Central Park in Old Pasadena. What a view! This amazing hotel became the social center of Pasadena. It was the hangout for many vacationing tycoons and presidents. Of course, it was home to the Tournament of Roses and the Valley Hunt Club. For more information regarding the Castle Green please visit the link below: http://www.castlegreen.com/ Talk about an exquisite piece of architecture! CHEERS! 11/05/2010

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   Pasadena City Hall "Then" Pasadena City Hall "Present day"   Spend a day at Pasadena City Hall in Pasadena, California. Enjoy the beautiful architecture as well as the rich history, this historical landmark provides! The Pasadena City Hall was built in 1927 and is one of the finest examples of the California Mediterranean styles of architecture. Pasadena City Hall has remained one of the most distinctive buildings in the United States! For more information regarding the Pasadena City Hall please check out this link: http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/cityhall/history.asp What a great way to spend the day, enjoying this beautiful national treasure!   11/02/2010

Did you know...     The only man made structure visible from space is the Great Wall of China. The base of the Great Pyramid in Egypt is large enough to cover ten football fields. There are 10 Million bricks in the Empire State Building. It takes a person fifteen to twenty minutes to walk around the Pentagon once.     Feng shui and architecture Discover how the Chinese art of Feng Shui effects architecture. Understand why some of these principles could be quite annoy for architects. Read More     Unique Homes The White House (1792) The presidential home has seen conflict, controversy and surprising transformations. Originally, plans for a "President's Palace" were developed by artist and engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant. Working with George Washington to design a capital city for the n... 11/01/2010

  If you are a lover of architecture as I am, you will enjoy taking a tour of the Gamble House in Pasadena, California. The Gamble House was designed and furnished by Charles and Henry Greene in 1908. The house was designed for Mary and David Gamble of the Proctor and Gamble Company. The Gamble House is a fantastic example of the American Arts and Crafts style architecture. This historical landmark is now owned by the City of Pasadena and operated by the University of Southern California. This treasure of a place is also open to the public for tours! For more information pertaining to the Gamble House please visit the link below: http://www.gamblehouse.org/index.html Take a tour and enjoy a historical moment in this historical landmark for your entertainment and educational experience! 11/01/2010

Old Pasadena-Photos and Images Copyright © 2010 By Stephen Munson,Munson Realty –Homes For Sale Pasadena ca*Old Pasadena-Photos and Images* 11/01/2010

Move Your Listings Faster Realtors-By Offering Attractive Terms- Location and price are definitely important but there's a lot of weight given to the "terms" buyers are looking for when purchasing you home. Let's face it; most buyers must get a loan to finance their purchase. There are very few "All Cash Buyers" Relative to those who finance. Often the 10% or 20% down one needs for Conventional Financing is a Huge sum of money and prohibitive to many "would be buyers". But there is Financing out there that is relatively easier for buyers qualify for and only requires 3.5% Down. It's FHA Financing and there's a good chance that your home already qualifies for FHA Financing. The good news is a that there are no extra steps your seller needs to take other than meeting some pretty basic "s... 10/27/2010