Learning to use public transportation (the metro) was really a stretch in the beginning, but now it's a cherished aspect of travel for my whole family. The gold line's Memorial Station drops you off a block or so from historic Old Town Pasadena, one of the most delightful places to hang out this side of the Mississippi. Holly Street Village sits right on top of the Memorial Station, and has the distinction of being the only apartment community situated within the heart of Old Pasadena's renaissance district. This property is the winner of the prestigious Gold Nugget award for its architectural design and land use planning. The units are 1 and 2 bedrooms each: Monthly Rent From: $1,695 - $2,700151 E Holly St., Pasadena, CAPhone: (888) 699-7938 And, happily, my daughter's cheer gym, Victo... 04/17/2008

And you thought you needed capital gains strategies before . . . Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama have called for an increase in the capital gains tax rate. It's currently at 15 percent, and they'd like to see 20 or even 25 percent. Property owners, more than ever before, need to learn intelligent use of the installment sale to avoid the wealth-sapping wonders of the IRS. But hey, we all have to do our part to bail out the speculators, don't we? Where do I sign up? Of course, I want to do my best to be patriotic, yes, of course. But will all the other middle class property owners join me? Both senators have said an increase in capital gains taxes would increase federal revenues, but when the tax was raised in 1986, from 20 to 28 percent, tax receipts went down, not up. People just... 04/16/2008

One of the things I love about Pasadena is the intelligence, creativity and fun-loving nature of the trees. These palm trees behind Pasadena's Gold Shell in Memorial Park are doing a good job of making shadow shapes that definitely look like . . . well, trees. No, wait, I see it now! There's both a front and a side view of a tribal headdress . . . or maybe a couple of turkeys or slightly battered peacocks. The metro's gold line has a station here at Memorial Park, which is very convenient for my daughter, who gets off at this station to get to her down town cheer practice. (Victory Cheer Company) "The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in Memorial Park sits in the hub of Pasadena, truly in the center of the City of Pasadena’s diverse neighborhoods and cultures. Once the home of th... 04/03/2008

Here is the local market overview for the month of March 2008, from our KW Realty, Pasadena Market CenterAltadena, CA17 Units Sold, 98.07% of List Price        Dollar Value  $10,008,000     Avg. List Price  $600,294,    Avg. Sold Price  $588,706 ,   Avg. Market Time  60 days      Avg. Price/Sq.Ft  $357.00    Ave. Sq.Ft.  1648  Pasadena, CA62 Units Sold, 95.72% of List PriceDollar Value  $43,520,500Avg. List Price   $733,338    Avg. Sold Price   $701.944,    Avg. Market Time   81 daysAvg. Price/Sq.Ft   $425    Avg. Sq.Ft. 1651*Information courtesy of J. Daniels, Agent Services.  Information is compiled from Itech MLS. 04/01/2008

Although I always associate this important Pasadena landmark with parking tickets (I never seem to have enough quarters), there's a little more to it. For instance, this is where the Posada Candlelight AIDS Walk begins and ends each year. I first joined the December Posada Walk in 1996. We pulled 4 children (all in diapers or pull-ups) in a little red wagon all over Pasadena that night as they took turns cradling a semi-mutilated, but most coveted Baby Jesus doll. "The Pasadena City Hall was built in 1927 to inspire the city with beauty, boldness and vision, and is an important part of this community’s rich architectural heritage. John Bakewell Jr. and Arthur Brown Jr. designed this handsome domed Baroque structure at the junction of two broad avenues in 1925. Equally impressive are th... 03/27/2008

  Location, Location, Location,,, Relocation,Relocation,Relocation for Education, Are they the same thing?Pasadena has some fantastic and wonderful legacy, the Rose Bowl, Fine Dining and Great Shopping but when shopping the Schools you will find this link verY helpful when relocating to this beautiful Foothill community. Just click this link and you will find all the information that you will need to compare your schools to the Pasadena Area. http://www.greatschools.net/   Since Pasadena schools are not rated as high as San Marino, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, I find that many of my clients choose private school for their children.  There are some excellent private schools in Pasadena Area but unfortunately there is no rating scores for the private schools. Just give me a call and I will be h... 03/26/2008

Hello friends,Just a quick note to let you all know about a wonderful event coming up on March 30.  The Postwar Pasadena, a tour of eight architecturally significant homes.  I have the honor of docenting at the King Residence, an amazing example of Buff and Hensman architecture.  All of the furniture and most of the art in this residence was created and built by Buff and Hensman.    from the http://www.pasadenaheritage.org/ website:House Tour: Sunday, March 30, 2008 - 9 AM - 4 PMPasadena Heritage presents Postwar Pasadena, a tour featuring eight privately-owned homesthat are outstanding examples of Pasadena's Modern architecture.Following World War II, the building boom in Southern California saw a new interest in architectural experimentation. Architects who trained at the University o... 03/21/2008

My sister is a fine artist and is exhibiting in Pasadena starting this Friday night.  It is well worth your time to go check out this exhibit.          The California Art Club and             the Pasadena Public Library proudly present   Arroyo Seco en Plein Air   Opening Reception at Art Night Pasadena Friday, March 14, 6-10 pm                                                    Junn Roca, Arroyo Creek, Oil on linen, 24" x 20"   You are cordially invited to attend the Opening Reception of Arroyo Seco en Plein Air on Friday, March 14, 6 - 10 pm at the Pasadena Public Library. This special exhibition is organized in conjunction with the Arroyo Seco Foundation and the Pasadena Public Library for Art Night Pasadena, an evening of free events at various museums, and cultural venues in the ci... 03/12/2008

Please sign up for the petition below to stop drive thru mastectomies. This operation is not only very painful, and emotional that the least insurance companies can do is give these women 2 days in the hospital to recover. See the testimony from the nurse on how horrible and what bad condition these woman are sent home in after one day.Now insurance companies are trying to make it an outpatient procedure. I am a big fan of the movie "sicko" a documentary on the insurance companies. These companies need to be stopped, they are getting enough of our money and if you watch "sicko" ,which you can rent at blockbuster you will see how they are paid and given bonus's to deny our claims. It is a real eye opener, you should see what poor coverage and treatment our 911 workers are given that are ... 03/11/2008

On February 13th, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Bill into law.  There has been a lot of confusion as to the details with the most critical question what will the new conforming loan amount be?A conforming loan amount is simply the amount of money that a bank will lend you at lower interest rates.  Currently, this amount is set at $417,000.  So... if you were to buy a home for $600,000 and put 20% as down payment ($120,000), you would need to get a "non-conforming" loan or what the banks call a jumbo loan of $480,000.The reason there's confusion on this package is because all the details have not been finalized yet.  HUD has 30 days to provide certain information like median area home prices, MSAs and mortgage principal obligation limits after the bill becomes law.For the m... 02/21/2008

Yes, It looks great, another discount broker, and here we sit waiting for the next fling of latest internet discount offers disappear but how many innocent buyers do they take down with them.  It is definitely a case of forgive them for they know not what they do.  When they have worked in th business for as long as I have they will understand my article and my sentiments for the unprotected and uninformed home-buyer.Does anyone else see more dangers that I do with Red Finn and other discount brokers? Buyers this is your most important investment of most of your lives.  I don't think I can save all real estate buyers but it should at least raise flags for concern and scare you about who is investing your hard earned dollars. In picking a Realtor, the consumer should be thinking about ho... 02/11/2008

Christian voter guide 2008 link to Mike Huckabee's blog.Here are some info facts about Mike Huckabee's qualifications for your FYI. A great guide for his stance on the issues and a link for his blog below.Voter Guideby Team Huckabee Please reach out to friends and family nationwide this weekend and ask them to support Gov. Huckabee.  Here is a simple guide to his stance on the issues.  Huckabee for President Volunteer Issue Guide  ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. With ten-and-a-half years of experience running state government, Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas has more relevant executive experience than any candidate in the race - either Republican or Democrat. 2. Recognized and tapped by his peers for leadership, the National Governor's Association selected Governor Huckabee as it's Chairman.3. TI... 02/07/2008

                                               Internet technology is now turning a corner in real estate Monday we merged with the Greater MrmLS Boards.Which means to me that I can now service all my past clients in Arcadia, Pasadena, Monrovia, Duarte, Glendora, Covina, South Pasadena, Alhambra, Temple City,using over my 25 years experience with Pasadena,San Gabriel Valley Area with ease.I am able to set clients up on a updated market analysis and keep them informed of the latest sales in-their neighborhood at the click of the Internet.The Internet is now allowing us to serve all our clients in California as easily and with current up to the date information as the local neighborhood specialist. Which is great for me, with my track record, I have many clients who are comfortable only w... 02/07/2008

Attention top producing agents in the Pasadena, California area. I just want to let you know that I am looking for agents to assist in home and mold inspections, if you already have a Home and Mold inspector great. However, I would still like to be a back up if they cannot assist you for that inspection, for everyone knows that you are short on time and you needed that inspection done yesterday not next week. Our promise to you will be:1) The inspector will be there at the day and time agreed upon.2) Client satisfaction with a completed report on site, the report will be easy to read, and all of the photos will be in color. Plus you will have the photos on a CD disk.Thank you for your time. Please visit my website at http://www.thompsonsinspection.com Jeff Thompson. 01/21/2008

Every Wednesday, 8-11pm. The Robert Kyle Brazilian Trio at the Pasadena Arts Institute. Paseo Pasadena, 260 E Colorado Blvd. (Suite 206 on 2nd level in the Western Sector). www.robertkyle.com $10Jan 11-Feb 17  Orson's Shadow. Pasadena Playhouse 39 S. El Molino, Pasadena 626/356-7529 or 626/792-8672 www.pasadenaplayhouse.org $25 to $65Jan 19-Feb 9  Ray Bradbury's Invisible Boy. Fremont Centre Theatre 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena 323/960-4451 or www.plays411.com/raybradbury $20 or $15/Seniors or $10/StudentsJan 18-20, 10am. Pasadena Bead and Design Show. Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles. 580/274-1123 www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com $10Jan 19, 9-3pm.  Electronic Waste Collection Day. Pasadena Christian School. 1492 N Garfield, Pasadena 626/791-1214 or contact pwilliams@pasadenachr... 01/15/2008

Properties of this size and character are very unique and rarely become available. First time on the market in 40 years this property offers 3 beds and 1.25 baths with approximately 1700 square feet on one side and two master suites adjacent on the other side in approximately 1600 square feet.The owners side has been updated with central air and heat. The property offers updated plumbing, a newer roof, and tremendous charm and character. The other unit is occupied by tenants on a month to month lease. Thee is a detached two car garage and beautiful landscaped grounds.Offered at $1,375,000 and Open Sunday, January 13, from 1-4pm 01/07/2008

Contact:    PASADENA TOURNAMENTOF ROSES ASSOCIATIONCaryn Eaves orVanessa Flores(626) 449-4100           HILL AND KNOWLTON, INC.Erica Amestoy (949) 223-2300Ilana Shenitzer (310) 633-9443 CL KEEDY ELECTED PRESIDENTOF 2008 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES® Keedy Announces Passport to the World's Celebrations as Theme for 2008 Rose Parade PASADENA, Calif. (January 18, 2007) - In a ceremony today, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association's Board of Directors confirmed CL Keedy as President for the 2007-2008 Tournament year. Keedy will provide leadership for the 119th Rose Parade and the 94th Rose Bowl Game on Tuesday, January 1, 2008. President Keedy revealed Passport to the World's Celebrations as the theme for the 119th Rose Parade. "I chose Passport to the World's Celebrations as the theme for th... 01/01/2008

Hi everyone,On October 31st I got laid off. It was very emotional and difficult. I got promoted during the hardest period in our industry and I tried to make the best of it. Unfortunately it didn't quite work out the way I had hoped it would. Over the past month I have submitted my resume to some surrounding companies with no luck. I know that times are hard for everyone. I have since been forced to seek employment outside of escrow which really saddens me. I have been in this industry for 6 years, it is all I know.  Anyhow, now that I am able to access my active rain account again I thought I might try posting my resume on here to see if anyone is looking for my services. I'm not ready to give up on escrow just yet. Thanks for reading.. Teresa M. LopezCell: (626) 644-7605E-mail: tlopez... 12/12/2007

In the current Pasadena housing market the only segment that is showing any growth has to do with the foreclosure market. Looking as far back as 1990 in Los Angeles County, foreclosure activity peaked in the third quarter of 1996 and did not begin to level off until approximately one year later. The foreclosure market hit bottom in the third quarter of 2005, but since then has been steadily increasing. When home prices are rising at 15 - 20% per year the amount of foreclosure activity is almost nonexistent as increasing equity can offset rising debt.What is Happening in Pasadena?The chart below indicates the amount of monthly foreclosure activity. For the most part, the foreclosure filings have steadily been increasing for about a year now. The activity appears to have peaked in August,... 11/30/2007

Rose Bowl Game Tickets The Rose Bowl Game is a contractual sell-out each year with the majority of the tickets distributed by the participating teams and conferences. Every person, including children (no child lap passes), must have a ticket to gain entrance to the Rose Bowl Stadium.   There will also be a selected number of tickets on sale for Pasadena residents at the Pasadena Civic Center Box Office on Saturday, December 1, 2007. Pasadena residents must show a picture ID with a Pasadena address or valid California picture ID with a document establishing Pasadena residency (i.e. phone bill, electric bill etc.) There is a maximum of two tickets; singles are available. Tickets are $142.50 per ticket ($135.00 face value in addition to $7.50 handling fee.)Line-up will be allowed beginning... 11/30/2007