LA HOMES AND LIFESTYLE

FOUNDATION WORKS | FOUNDATION TIP

Ramiro Rivas — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:37:33 +0000

If you take a close look at the photo above, you’ll see a spot of red in the photo near the edge of one of our handy pick axes. That red spot is actually the side of a red brick, and it was revealed on a hunch as one of our inspectors chipped away at what ended up being a cement based “skin” that had been placed over a brick foundation. It is important to realize that a thin coat of cement like this not only serves no purpose, but it actually harms the brick foundation further because it helps trap water within the brick and mortar and actually speeds up the deterioration process of these materials. In this case, the homeowner did not know that they had a brick foundation, as it “looked” like concrete.

If you or anyone you know is looking to purchase an older home, be sure to have specialists in to look at things like the chimney, the sewer line, the roof, the electrical, etc, as there are many similar potentials in these and other various parts of a building to miss such things if not looked at by a discerning eye.

At your service,

Tom Pelletier, Owner

The Foundation Works

HOME BUYERS: DON’T LOWER YOUR STANDARDS JUST BECAUSE HOMES ARE SCARCE

ericaswanson — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:24:58 +0000

In low-inventory markets that are now common in many areas of the country, buyers might be prone to jump at a listing they wouldn’t even consider if there were a lot of homes for sale.

This desperate approach to homebuying could cause you problems down the line when you need to sell and you realize you paid too much, overlooked property problems, or bought in the wrong location.

A listing that has been on the market for a long time could indicate a problem. Is the listing not selling because it’s priced too high and the seller is stuck unreasonably at a high price?

Does the property have problems that can’t be remedied for a reasonable price? Or is the deferred maintenance so widespread that buyers are turned off, particularly if the listing is priced too high for the market and the amount of work that’s required?

In some areas, it could be none of the above. The reason the listing hasn’t sold could have to do with a slow market where it takes a long time for listings to sell, particularly if they are at the high end of the market.

HOUSE HUNTING TIPS: Before taking the leap and writing an offer on a listing that has been on the market awhile, find out why it hasn’t been selling. Ask the listing agent if the seller has received offers and why they didn’t end in a ratified contract.

The seller’s agent may be reluctant to have this discussion. In that case, let your agent know what price you’d be willing to offer. Ask your agent to find out if the seller’s agent thinks it’s worthwhile to make an offer.

Listing agents usually want to take a low offer to the seller in writing. So you may have to go through this process to even find out if there’s a chance of buying the listing for a reasonable price.

The seller could flatly turn the offer down. But if the listing doesn’t sell for several more months, the seller might soften her stance.

A listing that is difficult to get in to see is another red flag. Does the seller really want to sell? If not, you could waste a lot of time trying to buy a home you’d love to own, but end up with nothing but frustration.

Another type of listing to be wary of is one that is on and off the market repeatedly. This is typical behavior of a seller who wants to sell only for a certain price that is too high for the market. It is also characteristic of homeowners who want to sell only if they have a place to move to and they can’t afford to buy another home until they’ve sold their current home.

These are maybe sellers who can also waste a lot of your time and emotional energy. Some sellers try to sell contingent on finding a replacement home. If you go into contract to buy a home with this contingency, you should also have a contingency in the contract that lets you out of the contract if you find another home to buy before the sellers find a replacement home. You should also get a break on the price to compensate for the uncertainty.

A listing that has been back on the market (BOM) over and over could signify a problem. Find out the reason why the deals didn’t stay together. Was the seller unrealistic about negotiating on defects discovered during inspections? Was there a problem with the buyer’s financing? Did the appraisal come in low? Or was it just the seller’s bad luck.

THE CLOSING: For peace of mind, investigate carefully before you buy.

RAMIRO CERVANTES | LOS ANGELES EDITORIAL, WEDDING & EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

ericaswanson — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:14:30 +0000

Ramiro Cervantes is an LA based professional photographer whose passion for photography is rendered into brilliantly dynamic photos.

As a specialist in promotional, fashion editorial, and wedding/special event photography, his subject matter are animated and vibrant, and the settings are epic.

Quoted as creating “Hip, modern wedding photography of today’s times”, his innovative talents go beyond the typical photoshoot. Event and wedding photography has a tendency to fall into certain trends to where wedding photos start to all look the same, and because most wedding photographers follow a trend those photos will look outdated over time. Ramiro breaks out of that cliché in his resourcefulness with the location he is shooting at, combined with his technical skills, and an ability to manipulate lighting, creating high quality images.

Why have images that look like they belong in a wedding album when you can have images that look like they belong in a magazine?

Ramiro Cervantes | Los Angeles wedding/event photographer | LA Fashion Editorial & Promo Photography
http://xcellence.zenfolio.com | 323-282-1475

[Show as slideshow]

MCGEE CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING | ORANGE COUNTY AND LOS ANGELES GENERAL CONTRACTOR

ericaswanson — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:38:34 +0000

“From framing to finish McGee Construction is their from beginning to end” – Bathroom remodeling, Cabinets, Carpenters, Decks & Porches, Doors.

McGee Construction and Remodeling prides itself on customer service and craftsmanship. Every client is important and always given the time needed to answer any questions that may arise. Each job is completed with an eye for detail, cleanliness and delivering exactly what the client desires.

Years in Business: 13 Years Lic. #893899

McGee Construction and Remodeling | Dana Point, CA 92629

Areas served: Aliso Viejo, CA; Anaheim, CA; Balboa, CA; Balboa Island, CA; Capistrano Beach, CA; Corona Del Mar, CA; Costa Mesa, CA; Crystal Cove, CA; Dana Point, CA; El Toro, CA; Emerald Bay, CA; Foothill Ranch, CA; Fullerton, CA; Huntington Beach, CA; Irvine, CA; Ladera Ranch, CA; Laguna Beach, CA; Laguna Hills, CA; Laguna Niguel, CA; Laguna Woods, CA; Lake Forest, CA; Las Flores, CA; Mission Viejo, CA; Monarch Bay, CA; Newport Beach, CA; Newport Coast, CA; Orange, CA; Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; San Clemente, CA; San Juan Capistrano, CA; South Laguna, CA; Sunset Beach, CA; Surfside, CA; Three Arch Bay, CA; Top Of The World, CA; Trabuco Canyon, CA; Tustin, CA; Yorba Linda, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Pasadena, CA

AMANDA CLAVERIE ROSEBUD FLORAL DESIGN – LOS ANGELES FLORISTS

ericaswanson — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:01:14 +0000

Amanda Claverie is the owner and operator of Rosebud floral design. As an LA based florist with over 10 years of experience, she specializes in creating both personal and professional pieces including floral arrangements for weddings, business corporations, television and film, and magazines.

As the main designer Amanda has the knack for listening to what the customer wants and turning it into a captivating piece of floral art. Every product that she uses is purchased specifically for each design, guaranteeing freshness and satisfaction.

Amanda Claverie | Los Angeles Wedding and Event Florist

626-599-7673 . www.RosebudFloralDesign.net . amanda@rosebudfloraldesign.net

BREW AT THE L.A. ZOO

ericaswanson — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:04:38 +0000

August 10 (Friday), 6 – 10 p.m.

Spend an evening sampling beer from local craft and microbreweries in the beautiful Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Enjoy live local entertainment while visiting many of the Zoo’s animal residents.

4.5 ounce beer samples, comedians from the Laugh Factory, DJ MORNINGSTAR, live local bands, pub-style grub for purchase, and more.

Animal highlights include elephants, koalas, and apes. Plus, visit the new LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), featuring crocodiles, rattlesnakes, vipers, giant salamander, horned lizards and dozens of other scaly and slimy species from around the globe!

You must be at least 21 years of age to attend this event.

Tickets: $40 (presale); $45 at the door (subject to availability) Designated drivers: $20

Visit to learn more about this event: www.lazoo.org/brew

BUYING A HOME IN THE CURRENT LOS ANGELES HOUSING MARKET

ericaswanson — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:17:46 +0000

The home-sale market is showing signs of life. More buyers are confident now than they were a year ago that now might be a good time to buy. Interest rates are near all-time lows and home prices in some areas are back to 2002-2003 levels.

More than half of U.S. consumers expect home prices in their local market to return to their bubble-era highs within the next 10 years. Home prices rose in 86 of the nation’s 100 largest metro areas in the three months ending in May, rising 1.6 percent overall nationally compared to the previous three-month period.

Some analysts are finally suggesting that we may be headed for recovery. If you have a secure job, plan to stay put and feel this is the right time for you to buy a home, consider the following.

HOUSE HUNTING TIPS: Whether you’re anticipating competition or not, you should be preapproved for the mortgage you’ll need to complete the purchase before you write an offer. In competition, this will make a big difference, particularly if everyone else who is offering is preapproved. It also lets you know what you can afford, and, it puts you in a good bargaining position with the seller.

Buyers aren’t the only participants in the housing market that have heard the news that the market has improved. Some sellers are putting their homes on the market because they’ve been waiting for a better time to sell. This is good news for buyers looking in low-inventory markets.

You should expect that you will have to negotiate. Many of today’s sellers are selling for less than they paid. Even though the market has improved a bit, sellers may be disappointed with the current market value of their home. Be prepared to negotiate, not just the initial price, but after inspections are completed if items come up that you hadn’t anticipated.

Include realistic contingency time frames in your purchase contract for loan and appraisal approval if you’re applying for a mortgage. The recent uptick in the market means that lenders are suddenly overwhelmed.

*Data for this article was collected from the California Association of Realtors. CAR.org. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

THE WONDERFUL VARIATION OF LOS ANGELES ARCHITECTURE

ericaswanson — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:03:15 +0000

If you live in Los Angeles, you probably understand, and hopefully appreciate, that you live in a place that is richly cultural and wonderfully diversified. The diversification in LA is, in so many ways, more than just demographics. The variations in neighborhoods, societal groups, educational institutions, geography, and even climate makes this city so fascinating, but the most intriguing is the diverse architectural styles.

There is a direct connection between architecture and the various communities, which is what helps define each of the many cities that all fall within the 502 square miles Los Angeles region. If you are a resident within LA you should consider yourself lucky, because it is here that you have the opportunity to make many choices.

At Rivas & Associates, we can’t but help consider ourselves lucky. We greatly enjoy selling homes within the Los Angeles Region, especially being focused in Pasadena, and at times need to stop and appreciate the wide variance of homes that we are given the opportunity to represent as listing agents.
Below are the video tours of four uniquely different architectural homes that we have currently listed on the market for purchase. Enjoy!

HISTORIC CALIFORNIA BUNGALOW

599 N. MADISON AVENUE, PASADENA

Built in 1902, this stunning California Bungalow exhibits gorgeous architectural details with tasteful updates throughout. As you approach the home, you are invited to a large wrap-around porch with swing. The living and dining rooms are adjacent to each other and are grand in size with 10’ high ceilings. You will be amazed by the large gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, two sinks, stainless steel appliances, built-in wine cooler, tin ceiling and plenty of cupboard space.

View more info and photos at: www.PasadenaCraftsmanBungalows.com

NEW CONSTRUCTION MODERN

6557 PICKWICK STREET, LOS ANGELES

The front door entrance welcomes you to the ground floor with a foyer that is large enough to serve as it’s own room. Also on the first floor is a bedroom and a full bathroom.
The living room offers high ceilings with recessed lighting and a gorgeous limestone fireplace, which is adjacent to the spacious dining area. The large gourmet kitchen has custom cabinetry, granite countertops and professional line stainless steel appliances.

For more info and photos visit: www.LAModerns.com

SPANISH COLONIAL REVIVAL

2145 ALLEN AVENUE, ALTADENA

Like most sought after historic LA county, Spanish homes, this property features a smooth plaster exterior and terra cotta roofing that is characteristic of the Spanish style. The living room is light and bright with many original details, such as arched windows and a original Batchelder tiled fireplace.

For more info and photos visit: www.AltadenaSpanishHomes.com

MANSARD ROOFED ENGLISH MANOR

160 CALIFORNIA TERRACE, PASADENA

For more info and photos visit: www.RivasEstates.com

Properties are listed with Rivas & Associates | 626-497-4606 | Info@RivasEstates.com

LA MODERN HOME FOR SALE – 6557 PICKWICK ST, LOS ANGELES

Ramiro Rivas — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:12:01 +0000

LA MODERN HOME FOR SALE
6557 PICKWICK STREET, LOS ANGELES – OFFERED AT $899,000
4 Bedrooms – 4 Bathrooms – 3,300 Interior SqFt – 8,030 SqFt Lot – Built 2008

Built in 2008, this Pasadena adjacent architecturally designed modern masterpiece exhibits tasteful details throughout. With three levels of living space, endless possibilities are waiting. The ground floor features a bedroom plus a den with a private entrance. The main living area on the second level has an open loft-style floor plan with high ceilings making it perfect for entertaining. This main living floor offers a gorgeous limestone fireplace, spacious dining area, recessed lighting, and a large den adjacent to the fabulous kitchen. The large gourmet kitchen has custom cabinetry, granite countertops and professional line stainless steel appliances. The top floor has three bedrooms. Two rooms open to the outdoor space and they share a stunning bath with travertine tile. The master features a huge walk-in closet, master bath with a gorgeous tiled shower, whirlpool tub and balcony with Downtown LA views.

160 CALIFORNIA TERRACE – PASADENA LUXURY HOME FOR SALE

Ramiro Rivas — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:32:40 +0000

PASADENA LUXURY HOME WITH GREAT VIEWS

160 California Terrace, Pasadena. $1,399,000

4 Bedrooms – 4 Bathrooms – 4,322 Interior Sqft – 8,760 Sqft Lot – Built in 1905

This elegant Mansard roofed, custom home boasts four bedrooms and five bathrooms located on a quiet cul-de-sac within the highly desired Pasadena neighborhood known as the Arroyo Seco. The open living and dining areas are grand in size making it perfect for entertaining. The kitchen has beautiful custom oak cabinetry, granite countertops, and two ovens. Downstairs is an office with built-in shelving, and a large den. You have two staircases for the upstairs level. The first will take you to the large entertainment room that features a wet bar and is adjacent to a large outdoor patio. Upstairs are four bedrooms. Two are Jack and Jill bedrooms, and two master bedrooms. The main master bedroom has a huge walk-in closet, and a master bathroom with elegant spa tub and shower. You have amazing views of historic Pasadena Landmarks in many parts of the home and outdoor areas. The guest cottage has an open studio floor plan that features a three-quarter bath, kitchenette, and laundry.

626-497-4606
Info@RivasEstates.com
Ramiro Rivas & Erica Swanson

John Aaroe Group