Pasadena Condo for Sale

Pasadena Condo for Sale
300 N. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
2 Bedrooms and 2 Full Bathrooms
Offered at $299,000


Your Pasadena Realtor for Buying or Selling Real Estate
Ramiro Rivas
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

PASADENA KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

Enjoy this video tour of my Keller Williams Realty office. I am always available if you need a professional realtor for buying or selling a Pasadena area home.
Ramiro Rivas - Your Pasadena Realtor
626-497-4606 or Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

PASADENA VIDEO BLOG

NOMINATED FOR BEST PASADENA REAL ESTATE BLOG

The Pasadena real estate blog http://www.pasadenahomesandlifestyle.com/ has been nominated by Zillow as one of the top blogs in Pasadena. Voting is fast and easy. Click the link or image below:

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For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Real Estate
626-497-4606
Email Ramiro!

SOUTH LAKE DISTRICT MODERN CONDO FOR SALE

Pasadena Collection Modern Condo for Sale

Offered at $699,000

1,500 sqft - Built 2004 - 2 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms

This is Pasadena’s premiere modern condo located in the South Lake District. Throw away those dining menus and entertainment guides, because at the Pasadena Collection East you have an onsite concierge's service waiting to serve. Entertain your guests before hitting the town in the open living area with dramatic views of the city and amazing 13’ ceilings. The adjacent kitchen features custom cabinetry with stainless steel details, galaxy granite countertops and a kitchen island with bar. Enjoy your private retreat in the master bedroom with a custom built-in book shelf and full bath. The other spacious bedroom has a full bath conveniently located next to it. Additional features and HOA amenities include flagstone flooring throughout, 4 parking spaces, a fitness room with plenty of modern equipment, association lounge, and a community surveillance system. All close to shopping, Trader Joes, dining, entertainment, and the Metro Gold Line.


For Buying and/or Selling Real Estate, contact me:
Ramiro Rivas – Pasadena Realtor
626-497-4606
Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

812 Fremont Avenue #303, South Pasadena, CA

The Mission District Lofts

812 Fremont Avenue #303, South Pasadena, CA Powered by Postlets

LAKE@WALNUT: PASADENA CONDOS AND LIVE/WORK FLATS

Located at the Northeast corner of Lake and Walnut, Lake at Walnut is a new condominium complex that offers contemporary flats and town homes located above ground level retail. Lake at Walnut is located at a premium urban location close to Pasadena restaurants, shopping, and a Metro Gold Line station.

The idea behind the Pasadena Real Estate development of Lake @ Walnut was to provide sophisticated and chic city living that mixes urban and contemporary architectural design. The complex has a diverse selection of 9 floorplans, each with designer-selected granite and tile schemes in kitchens and baths, stainless steel appliances, beautiful flooring selections throughout, as well as multimedia outlets in most rooms. Lake @ Walnut building amenities includes a courtyard with lush landscaping, BBQ, fountain and a fireplace. Additional amenities include lobby, clubroom and premier fitness center.

Plan 1 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom: 945-1,045 Sq. Ft.
Plan 2 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms: 1,126-1,245 Sq. Ft.
Plan 3 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms: 1,523-1,767 Sq. Ft.
Plan 4 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms: 1,146-1,248 Sq. Ft.
Plan 5 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: 1,483 Sq. Ft.
Plan 6 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: 1,465-1,542 Sq. Ft.
Plan 8 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms: 1,450 Sq. Ft.
Plan 9 1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms: 1,340 Sq. Ft.
Live/Work 1 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms: 2,133 Sq. Ft.
Live/Work 2 1 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms: 3,346 Sq. Ft.
*Some floorplans are no longer available.

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RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM
ERICA@RIVASESTATES.COM
818-257-1054 DIRECT



KELLER WILLIAMS PASADENA
445 S. FAIR OAKS AVENUE
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

The Dalton Pasadena: New Construction Modern Condos Going to Auction

Just completed at the start of this year, The Dalton is a new construction development of Pasadena Condos, featuring 55 modern lofts, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom units located across the street from a Pasadena Gold Line station on Arroyo Parkway. After having been placed on the market the developer has decided to sell all the units that have remained unsold at auction, taking place Sunday, August 15th with bids starting from $165,000.

The four story complex offers units that range from 654 to 1,721 square feet, which doesn’t include the square footage of the terraces that each unit offers. The Kitchens feature stainless steel appliances and Cesarstone countertops.

Contact us to learn more about The Dalton and/or to learn how to register for the auction.

Erica Swanson
Keller Williams Realty
445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105

818-257-1054 Direct
Erica@RivasEstates.com

METRO GOLD LINE: THE PASADENA LIGHT RAIL TO UNION STATION

The light rail Metro Gold Line spans 13.7 miles linking Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and Sierra Madre Villa in East Pasadena via Chinatown, Highland Park, South Pasadena and Pasadena.

Aside from using the Pasadena Gold Line as a form of transportation to and from work, it is a great way to explore the cultures of the communites around Pasadena. If you feel the need to “get away” on a day off you can hop on the gold line from any of Pasadena’s six stations. The Pasadena Gold Line will take you to Highland Park where you can visit the Southwest Museum, Chinatown, or to where the line ends, at the Union Station and visit the historic Olvera Street for a taste of colorful Mexican culture.

Union Station in Los Angeles, which opened in May 1939, is known as the "Last of the Great Railway Stations" built in the United States. Union Station was partially designed by the father and son team of John Parkinson and Donald B. Parkinson, or the Parkinsons, assisted by a group of supporting architects, including the famous Jan van der Linden. The Architecture of Union Station is an experience all in its own. The impressive architecture combines the Mission Revival style, and Streamline Moderne style, which was a late branch of Art Deco.

The Pasadena Metro Gold Line joins two light rail lines, Metro Blue and Green Lines, and a subway, The Metro Red Line that crisscross portions of Los Angeles County from Long Beach to Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, Norwalk, Hollywood, Universal City, North Hollywood as well as Pasadena.

Search available Pasadena condos for sale close to metro stations.

The most notable Pasadena station of the Metro Gold Line is the Del Mar station because of the large scale restoration and expansion it recently underwent. The Pasadena Del Mar station has been converted from the old, historic Santa Fe train depot and is the home to many new construction apartments and Pasadena Condos, including the Pasadena Archstone Apartments, and the brand new Pasadena Dalton, which is a development project of high end industrial lofts and condominiums.

The Pasadena Del Mar station is on the southern edge of Old Town Pasadena and within walking distance of an abundance of shops, restaurants and theaters. Across the street is Central Park, the site of many special events including the city’s annual jazz festival. The Del Mar station is surrounded by several new residential buildings and features public plaza areas, restaurants, and retail stores.

If you are searching for apartments for lease or Pasadena Condos for sale within close proximity to the metro line, it is a great place to look since it is a city that has been becoming more urbanized over the past few years. With the ever increasing cost of gas and freeway traffic, the city of Pasadena and residential developers have put consideration towards many people’s desire to live within close proximity to mass transportation. Pasadena has been becoming urbanized in the central parts of the city and over the past few years, since the opening of the new metro stations, many developers are building urban condos and lofts which offer metropolitan living within the city.

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LOOKING FOR URBAN LIVING

Getting Started on a Home Search

Mortgage interest rates had dropped recently and home prices have moderated in many areas, making it a good time to buy. If you’ve never bought a condo or townhome before or if you currently own a home but have never bought and sold at the same time, the process can seem intimidating. You can ease your anxiety by formulating a game plan and by assembling the best team of professionals you can find, including a mortgage lender, a Realtor® that you feel that you can trust, as well as inspectors, title reps, and home warranty specialists.

If you are searching for a condo Pasadena is a great place to look since it is a city that has been becoming more urbanized over the past few years. Space in Los Angeles is at a premium, ever increasing, and many L.A. suburbs are starting to become re-urbanized. The most recent trend in many suburbs is retail developments with the inclusion of at least two floors of residential units above a retail city walk. Examples of such urbanization is the Paseo Colorado in Pasadena, and Rick Caruso's latest development, The Americana in Glendale.

The two key players on your team in a home search are the lender and your real estate agent. Once you have these selected, they can help you line up the additional help you need. The best recommendations for a real estate agent is one who is well educated about the market in your area. If you’re a first time homebuyer you may not have a resource of competent mortgage enders, reputable inspectors, or a trustful escrow company that will successfully help you through the purchasing of a home; Therefore it would be of utmost importance to choose a Realor® that will have this resource of people to recommend to you to have the option of using.

A first step is to find out how much you can afford. Most buyers will obviously need a mortgage in order to complete a home purchase. A lender will qualify you for a certain loan amount depending on how much cash you have available for a down payment and closing costs—the various fees associated with buying or selling a home. Other relevant factors are your credit score, your verifiable income and what type of mortgage you decide to use for your purchase. You can work with a mortgage broker who will shop the mortgage market for you and place your loan package with the lender that offers the best deal. Or, you can work directly with a lender, such as Bank of America or Citibank. Just make sure that you understand what kind of loan is being offered. You might want to consult with an independent party like your accountant or financial advisor to determine what kind of financing is best for you.

If you’ve never bought a home before, you should use an agent who is a good communicator and who will take the time to explain the process. Also, keep in mind that your agent will be interfacing with the other parties in the transaction. You want someone you trust and who you are sure will represent you professionally and work diligent on your behalf.

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Understanding Capital Gains In Real Estate

When you sell a stock, you owe taxes on your gain — the difference between what you paid for the stock and what you sold it for. The same holds true when selling a home (or a second home), but there are some special considerations. How to calculate gain in real estate, capital gains are based not on what you paid for the home, but on its adjusted cost basis.

To calculate, follow these steps:
1. Purchase price: _______________________

The purchase price of the home is the sale price, not the amount of money you actually contributed at closing.

2. Total adjustments: _______________________
To calculate this, add the following:
Cost of the purchase — including transfer fees, attorney fees, and inspections, but not points you paid on your mortgage.
Cost of sale — including inspections, attorney fees, real estate commission, and money you spent to fix up your home just prior to sale.
Cost of improvements — including room additions, deck, etc. Note here that improvements do not include repairing or replacing something already there, such as putting on a new roof or buying a new furnace.

3. Your home’s adjusted cost basis: _______________________
The total of your purchase price and adjustments is the adjusted cost basis of your home.

4. Your capital gain: _______________________Subtract the adjusted cost basis from the amount your home sells for to get your capital gain.

A Special Real Estate Exemption for Capital Gains since 1997, up to $250,000 in capital gains ($500,000 for a married couple) on the sale of a home is exempt from taxation if you meet the following criteria:
You have lived in the home as your principal residence for two out of the last five years.
You have not sold or exchanged another home during the two years preceding the sale.
You meet what the IRS calls “unforeseen circumstances,” such as job loss, divorce, or family medical emergency.

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DOES MOVING UP MAKE SENSE?

With so many great opportunities to buy a home in every price range, does moving up make sense? These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

2. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

3. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district. Find a Pasadena Real Estate Agent who can help.

4. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

5. Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home.

6. Are you able to secure an attractive interest rate? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer. Search for mortgage rates.

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WHY ARE YOU RENTING!

Why are you renting......when you could be a home owner ?

Why You Should Buy a Home Now
These days there is literally too much information for homebuyers to make a decision sometimes. Fear can prevent first time home buyers from ever acting on their dream of home ownership. When you look at facts, though, buying a home makes as much sense now as it ever has.

With home prices going down now in some markets, the question is beginning to surface more often, "Is now a good time to buy?. If there's any risk that it may go down in value, why, really should anyone buy a home instead of renting?" It may be true that renting is cheaper than buying right now, but historically speaking, it is only a matter of time before rents will go up. They always have, and they always will. That brings us to the number one reason to buy a home, which is the very reason rent always goes up:Appreciation or Rising Values - For most Americans, buying a home is one of the smartest financial decisions they will ever make. Look at the difference in net worth between homeowners and renters according to the Federal Reserve:The difference in net worth of homeowners vs. renters is more pronounced as income rises. The average American who earns $60,000 per year and rents has a net worth of only $25,000. The average net worth of that same earner who is a homeowner is nearly $300,000!There are two main reasons this happens. First, there is the "forced savings" aspect of home ownership. As payments are made on a home over time, the balance of the mortgage will obviously fall. This is essentially "forcing" a monthly savings that is the portion of the payment that applies toward the principal amount of the mortgage. Secondly, there is long-term property appreciation. Homes have always gone up in value over time, even though there are bound to be some down cycles. Long-term home ownership almost guarantees a higher net worth. Pride of Ownership - Most homeowners will admit they like owning a home because they don't have to ask before they do anything to the home. They can paint it any color, they can add a new front door, change the shutters, and they have the right to do it because it's their home! This is the reason most people take care of a home they own better than one they rent. Plus, no landlord can go up on your rent or terminate a lease and force you to move. It makes a difference when applying for credit, in personal relationships, and possibly even in employment considerations. Pride of ownership is hard to measure in terms of money, but is a big part of why people will always want to own their home.

Tax Benefits - Arguably, tax benefits of home ownership are not as great as many owners understand them to be, but most do benefit from the mortgage interest deduction, even if in a small way. Home ownership has been a part of our heritage, and represents the largest part of the average American's net worth. There is a good chance that owning and paying for a home is the only way some people will be able to retire. And the earlier you can get in the game of ownership, the better off you will be sooner in life. Owning a home is not only still the "American Dream", it is an important part of our national economy. The financial benefits can easily be seen and experienced over the long run. The other benefits, while not so easy to measure, may be the most important ones. Buying your first home, even in a "down" market is still a wise choice, and will eventually be one of the best financial decisions of your life. Search Pasadena Homes and Pasadena condos for sale. Find a Pasadena Real Estate agent.

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.

Have questions about selling your Pasadena Home or Pasadena Condo? Find a Pasadena Real Estate Agent to sell your home. Search for Pasadena Homes for sale.

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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Take The Stress Out Of Homebuying

Buying a Pasadena home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

1. Find a Pasadena real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the Pasadena REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.

2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.

3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. A home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.

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7 REASONS TO OWN YOUR OWN HOME

If you are considering buying a Pasadena Home, here are a few benefits to consider:

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments don’t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

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5 FENG SHUI CONCEPTS TO HELP A HOME SELL

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of learning to live in harmony with one's surroundings - being a part of nature rather than a blot on the landscape. There are several different schools of Feng Shui, with varying methods. To put the best face on a Pasadena Home listing and appeal to buyers who follow feng shui principles, keep these tips in mind.

1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression Pasadena Home buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in the home. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down and close the doors to bathrooms.

3. The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender.

4. The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.

5. The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

Compass Feng Shui, as the name suggests, uses the direction your house faces to arrive at certain information, as well as dividing your house (or even a single room) into 8 areas or enrichments.

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Source: Sell Your Home Faster With Feng Shui by Holly Ziegler (Dragon Chi Publications, 2001)