Lake @ Walnut: New Live Work Condos

For those of you looking for a Pasadena Home where all the active, interesting, culturally rich and just plain fun elements of your life “intersect” in one, sought-after Pasadena address. Just think Lake at Walnut, a new 6- story residential building of contemporary flats and town homes above ground floor retail, named for its stylish address at the intersection of Lake and Walnut avenues. Everything's right down the street, or an easy drive or Metro ride away.

A home at Lake at Walnut puts you right at the center of all things wonderful in the Pasadena intown scene. Walk to the colorful shops and eateries of Old Town, or the many exciting destinations of Colorado Boulevard. Easily commute via the convenient Gold Line or the nearby 210 Freeway, just 2 blocks away. Spend more evenings at the Ahmanson or the Disney Music Hall, just 30 minutes away by Metrolink. And what could be better than a quick grocery pick-up at Ralph’s, right across the street? Homes range in size from 945 to 1,767 square feet, with generous live/work spaces from 2,133 to 3,346 square feet. It all comes together at Lake at Walnut. One and two bedroom floor plans available with prices starting at the $535k range for a 1 bedroom and go upward and are scheduled to be available in September to move in.

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Tips For Buying In A Competitive Market

Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer:

1. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller.

2. Stay in close contact with your Pasadena Real Estate Agent to find out about the newest listings. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go fast.

3. Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Web sites such as REALTOR.com, SoldbyRamiro.com or browse your local L.A. Times real estate section, and drive through the neighborhood to spot "For Sale" signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and call your real estat agent. Your Pasadena Real Estate Agent will be able to schedule a showing and find out more information on the property.

4. Be ready to make a decision. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what you must have in a Pasadena home so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

5. Bid competitively. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t go too low to get a deal. In a tight market, you’ll lose out.

6. Keep contingencies to a minimum. Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing. In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly. Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

7. Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy. Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should or should not buy it. And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.

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Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior

Make your Pasadena home more appealing for yourself and potential buyers with these quick and easy tips:

1. Trim bushes so they don’t block windows or architectural details.

2. Mow your lawn, and turn on the sprinklers for 30 minutes before the showing to make the lawn sparkle.

3. Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

4. Install new doorknobs on your front door.

5. Repair any cracks in the driveway.

6. Edge the grass around walkways and trees.

7. Keep your garden tools and hoses out of sight.

8. Clear toys from the lawn.

9. Buy a new mailbox.

10. Upgrade your outside lighting.

11. Buy a new doormat for the outside of your front door.

12. Clean your windows, inside and outside.

13. Polish or replace your house numbers.

14. Place a seasonal wreath on your door.

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8 TIPS TO GUIDE YOUR PASADENA HOME SEARCH

For many people, buying a first home is a rite of passage and ownership in part of the American dream. And while many excited hours are spent planning interior color schemes, choosing new furniture and dreaming of moving day, many first-time buyers spend equal amounts of time fretting and fearing the home buying process. Let’s face it, if you’ve never purchased a home before, the prospect can seem downright intimidating. There are many decisions to make—legal, financial and emotional, just to name a few. Luckily, there are steps you can take to ensure an enjoyable experience.

1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.

2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property.

3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.

5. Decide your moving timeline. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area? All of these factors will help you determine when you should move.

6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.

7. Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

8. Get help from a Pasadena REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who specializes in buyer representation. Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s agent's are paid out of the seller’s commission payment.

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