Take A Look At The Floats Before The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena     Would you like to see a sneak peek of the floats that will appear at the 128th annual Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena on Monday, January 2, 2017.    You can see work in progress by professional float builders at the Rose Palace and the Rose Bowl(Rosemont Pavilion and Brookside Pavilion).  Since a requirement of the floats in this parade dictates that only “natural” materials(flowers, trees, seeds and the like) be used, the combination of time and freshness means a lot of last minute work is necessary.    The Rose Palace is located at 835 South Raymond Avenue.  Brookside Pavilion is located on the south side of Rose Bowl Stadium and Rosemont Pavilion can be found at 700 Seco Street.    Rose Palace is o... 12/29/2016

  The Tournament of Roses Parade that brings in the New Year is such a Pasadena tradition that some might be surprised that there will be no parade on Sunday, January 1, 2017.  No football game either.    It’s not due to a lack of funds.  Nor some type of protest statement.   Even though I have written extensively about the tournament’s Never On Sunday policy, this may still catch some people wondering if the parade and the Rose Bowl Football game have been cancelled.    You see, the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Football game will be held on Monday, January 2, 2017. Believe me, evidence of the upcoming introduction to the New Year is easily found throughout Pasadena.  No Parking signs are not difficult to find. Where there is a spot of land available, you’re likely to see a ... 12/28/2016

Heritage Walk Townhomes in Pasadena 91101 This is a real estate market activity update for the Heritage Walk townhome complex in Pasadena.   In this report, I will share year-to-date sales information so far in 2016 along with a recap of full year sales in the complex since 2013.   All statistical data has been gathered from our local multiple listing service (mls) and may not include all activity in the complex. Heritage Walk was built in 2000 by Southern California developer The Olson Company who has done quite a few in-fill projects in mature well-established Pasadena neighborhoods.   This 38 unit complex features multi-level living.   With up to three bedrooms, three baths some of the floor plans at Heritage Walk were marketed as an ideal option for live-work options when they were ... 12/19/2016

A Very Special Holiday Bonus In Pasadena At Vroman’s Bookstore The holiday season became a little more special for three employees at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena.    This week I saw an announcement from the American Booksellers Association that author James Patterson gave $250,000 in holiday bonuses to 149 independent bookstore employees as a thank you.   The holiday bonuses ranged from $1,000 to $5,000.    Vroman’s with two Pasadena locations had three of those very fortunate employees: Sarah Bumstead and Steven Ross from the Colorado Boulevard flagship store along with Danielle Borsch from the Hastings Ranch location are identified on the website.   There were seven other recipients from Los Angeles County too.    Click here to see if one of your local independent bookstore employe... 12/17/2016

Pasadena 91105 Townhomes at Altos Arroyo This is a real estate market report for the Altos Arroyo gated townhome complex in Pasadena which includes a recap of activity so far in 2016 as well as full year sales since 2013.  Statistical information in this report has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all transactions in the complex.      Situated in a setting reminiscent of an intimate Mediterranean village, the 15 townhome complex was built in 1986 on a gently curving drive.   The dramatic multi-level residences range in size from approximately 2300 to nearly 3000 square feet of living with three to four bedrooms.   The interiors feature high ceilings, fireplaces, abundant windows and two car garages.  Some units have elevators too.  Common ar... 12/16/2016

Arroyo Gardens Craftsman-Inspired Townhomes in Pasadena 91107 This is a real estate market activity report for the Arroyo Gardens townhome complex.   Located on Oneida Street between Sierra Madre Boulevard and Altadena Drive, Arroyo Gardens is in Pasadena zip code 91107 adjacent to the city of San Marino.   The complex was built in 1991 and features 18 townhomes with Craftsman-inspired architecture.   River rock and stonework along with exposed wooden elements and carefully chosen colors combine to create a look that is reminiscent of early Pasadena.   The two and three bedroom multi-level townhomes are surrounded by beautiful tree-dotted grounds and eye-catching(my opinion) landscaping. There are no common area amenities such as pool or spa available in the complex. Step inside and fin... 12/15/2016

California Rose Court Homes in Pasadena 91107 This is a real estate market activity report for the California Rose Court community in Pasadena zip code 91107.  In this report I will share properties currently on the market for sale, in escrow as well as sold so far in 2016 along with full year sales dating back to 2013.  Statistical information in this report has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all transactions in the development.   California Rose Court is a paired home community built by KB Homes(then known as Kaufman and Broad) in 1989 and 1990.  It is better known as a planned unit development(PUD).  The 168 home development is in Northeast Pasadena just north of Pasadena High School and Victory Park.   Each home shares a wall with a ne... 12/14/2016

Pasadena Mountain Park Villas  This is a real estate market activity report for the Mountain Park Villas townhome complex in Pasadena.  In this report, I will share information regarding activity so far in 2016 as well as yearly sales since 2013.  Statistical information has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all sales activity in the complex. Located in a Northeast Pasadena neighborhood near Victory Park, this relatively affordable complex is primarily surrounded by single family homes. Built in the mid 1960s, the 70 units feature two or three bedrooms in a variety of floor plans.  In addition to the always desired attached garage, there are fireplaces, laundry connections and along with patio and balcony areas.  Some units have a den, bonus ... 12/13/2016

In December of 2016, Trulia.com reported median homes sales declined 6.0% to $680,000 between September 8, 2016 to December 7, 2016 from the previous quarter of $720,000 but rose 4.5% from the price of $651,000 same time a year ago in 2015, in Pasadena, California.An average square foot for homes jumped 7.0% to $520 through December 7, 2016 from $488 same time a year ago in 2015 in Pasadena, California.For more complete detailed information about latest market trends in Pasadena, California, please CLICK HERE 12/12/2016

Pasadena 91106 Windemere Townhomes with Garages   This is a real estate market activity report for the Windemere townhome complex.  In this report I will share information regarding transactions so far in 2016 with a recap of full year sales results for the three previous years. Statistical information in this report has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not reflect all transactions in the complex  Windemere draws from the Craftsman architecture that is such a part of Pasadena history.  You will find exteriors with wood and river rock accents. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature a pool, spa and lounge area which has traditionally made these Pasadena townhomes with garages a popular choice.   There are two addresses associated with the 62 unit prof... 12/11/2016

Rose Walk Townhomes in Pasadena 91103 This is a real estate market activity report for Rose Walk which is a gated Pasadena townhome complex in Pasadena zip code 91103.  In this report, I will share information regarding year-to-date activity in 2016 as well as closed sales data for the previous three years.  All statistical information has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not reflect all transactions in the community. Rose Walk was built in 1997 by The Olson Company adjacent to the historic Prospect Park neighborhood.  Known for their in-fill projects, the company constructed the 45 two story residences which has been influenced by the architecture found throughout Pasadena.   They feature two or three bedrooms with two-and-one-half baths.  Each has a t... 12/09/2016

South Orange Grove Boulevard Corridor Condos and Townhomes in Pasadena This is a real estate market activity report for the condominiums and townhomes along the South Orange Grove Boulevard corridor in Pasadena 91105.    In this report I will share information regarding units for sale, in escrow and sold in the first eleven months of 2016 with a comparison to closed transactions in the same period for the previous four years.   Statistical data has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all transactions in the area.   South Orange Grove Boulevard is also known as “Millionaires Row” which dates back to the turn of the twentieth century when this broad palm-tree lined street was home to many grand estates.   Today, there are still some magnificent s... 12/06/2016

  This is a real estate market activity report for the Fair Oaks Summit townhome complex in Pasadena.  In this report, I will share activity so far in 2016 with a comparison to the last three full years.  Statistical information has been gathered from our local multiple listing service (mls) and may not include all transactions. Fair Oaks Summit is a 24 unit townhome community built in 2007 and is located on North Fair Oaks Avenue.  The gated community has been a popular choice for those who desire the California Craftsman architecture that is so identified with Pasadena history but prefer more modern conveniences and a relatively affordable price.   The professionally managed complex features a courtyard entry further enhancing the feeling of the Arts and Crafts period with a rock wate... 12/04/2016

Pasadena CA Hudson Village Townhomes 283 South Hudson Avenue This is a real estate market activity report for the Hudson Village townhome community in Pasadena.  I will share information regarding activity so far in 2016 with a recap of the last four full years.  The statistical data here has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not reflect all sales in the complex.     The complex was built in 1986 and consists of 22 multi-level townhomes with one or two baths ranging in approximate size from just over 700 to nearly 1000 square feet. The Craftsman-inspired architecture is a nod to the style that is so popular in the city.   Turnover of units has been very low historically as this report will show. Each townhome has a fireplace and direct access to either a... 12/03/2016

Bishop’s Court Pasadena Townhomes With Garages This is a real estate market activity report for the Bishop’s Court townhome complex in Pasadena 91106.   In this report I will share information about activity so far in 2016 as well as a recap of closed sales for the previous five years.  Statistical data for this report has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all transactions in the complex.   Bishop’s Court was built in 1984 by Cantwell-Anderson and consists of 17 multi-story townhomes with two bedrooms.  Each bedroom has its own bath and there is a powder room on the main living level.  The architecture is influenced by the Arts and Craft movement which is quite popular in Pasadena and each townhome has a walled patio entry which enhances indo... 12/02/2016

The Residences at Wilson Eco-Friendly Townhomes in Pasadena This is a real estate market activity report for The Residences at Wilson townhome complex in Pasadena.   In this report I will share information regarding units for sale, in escrow and sold since 2011.  All statistical data has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all transactions in the complex.     Built in 2008, this six unit complex has a distinctive modern appearance described by the developer as “sophisticated green living”.  Designed by Sander Architects, the townhomes feature dramatic spaces(exterior and interior) with expansive windows, high ceilings(up to 20 feet) and careful attention to quality and detail including European cabinetry.   According to the developer, eco-frien... 11/30/2016

Discovering Smart in Pasadena This weekend, I stopped by ArtCenter College of Design and happened to see this van.  And while I have seen more than a few Smart cars on the streets of Pasadena, it was the first time(to my recollection) that I have seen this particular van.  And here is why I’m calling it yet another smart discovery in Pasadena.   The vehicle, a 1974 Dodge Tradesman Van, was bought new by Theoretical Physicist Richard P. Feynman reportedly using proceeds from his Nobel Prize in Physics.   It is part of the UNCERTAINTY exhibit on the hillside campus(1700 Lida Street) which features 16 artists who focus on the frontiers of knowledge and interpreting the unknown.  The exhibit continues through January 22, 2017 at the Alyce de Roulet Williamson Gallery. The van’s pinstriped d... 11/28/2016

The ActiveRain 2016 Photography Contest “Kodak Moments" Are Plentiful in Pasadena Even though the term is most often associated with a company, you have likely heard “Kodak Moments” to signify something rather special.  And memorable.  In life as well as in photography.    Pasadena, California has many qualifying “Kodak Moments” as far as I am concerned.  This very photogenic city has so much to offer but perhaps no such single event is as special as the annual Tournament of Roses Parade held each January.   This attention getting spectacle attracts hundreds of thousands of people along its five-and-one-half mile route which greets each new year with pageantry and panache.  Whether you view it in person or join millions of others watching in the glow of your television this event is a p... 11/26/2016

Kensington Court Townhomes in Pasadena This is a real estate market activity report for the Kensington Court townhome complex in Pasadena.  In this report I will share 2016 year-to-date information regarding activity as well as a recap of closed sales for the previous four years.  All statistical information in this report has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all transactions in the eight unit complex which was built in 1983. Kensington Court is located at 427 South El Molino between Del Mar and California boulevards just east of South Lake Avenue in Pasadena 91101.  This popular location is convenient to abundant shopping, dining, culture and entertainment venues.   The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena City College(PCC... 11/23/2016

Pasadena Quattro Blú Condos   This is a real estate market activity report for the Quattro Blú condominium complex located in Pasadena 91101. In this report I will share information for sales so far in 2016 with a recap of the previous four full years.  Statistical information in this report has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) and may not include all transactions in the complex.  Located at 128 North Oak Knoll at the northeast corner of Union Street in the Pasadena Playhouse District, the complex is just north of Colorado Boulevard and the Tournament of Roses Parade route each January.   The multi-story building was constructed in 2004 by Pacer Communities. There are 53 units consisting of both one and two level floor plans ranging in size from two bedrooms/tw... 11/21/2016