Dena Land News

March 2008

A M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R B Y L I N D A L A N E - W H I T E – K E L L E R W I L L I A M S R E A L T Y

S E R V I N G M Y H O M E T O W N O F A L T A D E N A / P A S A D E N A A N D O U T L Y I N G A R E A S

Low Ball Offer 1

Active Adults Corner 2

Recipe of the Month 2

25 Tax Tips 2

Ceedub Construction 3

For Sale 3

Ask An Expert 3

For Sale or Lease 4

March Is... 4

Recent Area Sales 4

Augusta Financial (sponsor) 5

Christmas Tree Lane 5

March In Dena Land 6

Inside this issue:

445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

Phone: 626-786-1231

Fax: 626-296-1979

www.lindalanewhite.com

In Tune With Your Needs

Linda Lane-White

“Singing” Realtor ®

CA Lic #01091347

Notary Public

Average Area Prices

Report for more than 40 zip code

areas are now available via

E-mail or direct mail. (i.e.

Altadena average is $416/

sf—a decrease of –10.7%

since January 2007.) Give

me a shout and I’ll get the

report to you!

When sellers receive a

low ball offer, it seems to

cause greater offense

than if the buyer poked

them in the eye. The com-

mon reaction is to feel

insulted., and angrily re-

ject the offer right off

hand. But, low ball offers

are a fact of life when it

comes to real estate, es-

pecially now with the

market being the way it

is. No need to feel in-

sulted, no need to get

angry—here is what to do

if you get one.

First of all, getting an

offer—any offer—is a

good thing. It means

someone liked your

house enough to want to

live in it. There are sev-

eral possible reasons for

the low ball offer, so don’t

assume anything about

the buyer’s motivation

right away. Instead, try to

find out more about their

reasoning for the price

offered and then write

them a counter-offer.

Did their agent do a

Comparative Market

Analysis (CMA) for them?

Ask to see it. Are the

homes they are using for

comparison really compa-

rable to yours? Your

agent will be of great

help here! They don’t

have a CMA? Then how

did they come up with

their price?

Or is their reason for

the low ball offer some-

thing they didn’t like

about your house that you

can correct (like new

paint, carpet, other re-

pairs you may have

missed)? Is there any-

thing else the buyer needs

that you can offer, such as a

faster move-in date or an-

other incentive? Try to find

out about the buyers’ situa-

tion as much as possible as

this will make negotiations

easier.

Thank them for the offer?

Tell them you appreciate it,

and then give them your

counter-proposal. Provide

them with the proof that

your price is reasonable

(the CMA your agent did

for you, list of recent up-

grades, etc). Don’t immedi-

ately counter with the low-

est price you are willing to

accept, as the buyer may

expect a few rounds of

back-and-forth. Be upbeat

and be friendly—let them

know that you want to work

with them. If the back-and-

forth continues, keep the

process alive by encourag-

ing the buyer not to give

up. Of course, you don’t

want to stretch the negotia-

tions on indefinitely—the

buyer may eventually walk

away and pursue another

HOW TO DEAL WITH A LOW BALL OFFER

Home Office: 519 Alameda, Altadena, CA

property if they think they

can’t work with you.

Now there is another thing

to consider—the possibility

that what you thought was a

low ball offer is actually not

that bad. I know that it can be

hard to swallow, but if your

house has been on the market

for a while, its value may have

gone down. So, double-check

your numbers. Ask your agent

for the most current Compara-

tive Market Analysis—what

does it say? If it looks like the

market has taken a dive, don’t

despair right away. How much

do you need to net in order to

meet your goals? Is that still

doable even with the lower

price? Keep in mind that if you

are selling your home for less

than what you hoped for, you

will also be buying your next

house for less than you

thought. The market is the

same for everyone.

Throughout the process try

to be flexible and patient. It’s

just as stressful for the buyer,

so try not to get upset with

them. If an agreement is pos-

sible, and all parties work to-

gether in good faith, then an

agreement will be reached.

Page 2 Dena Land News

Cabbage and Bacon Soup

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 pound bacon, diced

2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice

1 cup chicken stock, or as needed

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups thinly sliced dark green cabbage leaves

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place bacon in a large, deep stockpot or

saucepan.

2. Cook over medium high heat until evenly

brown. Drain off any excess fat.

3. Stir in potatoes, tomatoes, and enough

chicken stock to cover.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer

for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in cabbage and allow the soup to simmer for

a few minutes longer before serving. Serves 4.

288 Cals, 9.4g Fat, 6.4g Fiber, 11.1g Protein

25 MOST Overlooked Tax Deductions

April 15th is just around the corner. If

you haven’t filed your tax return yet, let’s

take a moment and review some of the

most common deductions people miss.

1. Accounting Fees for tax preparation

services & IRS audits.

2. Amortization of premium on taxable

bonds.

3. Appraisal fees for charitable dona-

tions or casualty losses.

4. Appreciation on property donated to

charity.

5. Cellular telephones.

6. Cleaning and laundering services

when traveling.

7. Commissions and closing costs on

sale of property.

8. Contact lenses, eye glasses and

hearing devices.

9. Depreciation on home computers.

10. Employee’s moving expenses.

11. Federal estate tax on income with

respect to a descendant.

12. Fees for a safe deposit box to hold

investments.

13. Improvements to your home.

14. Investment advisory fees.

15. Lead paint removal.

16. Legal fees incurred in connection

with obtaining or collecting or col-

lecting alimony.

17. Margin account interest expense.

18. Mortgage prepayment penalties and

late fees.

19. Real estate taxes associated with the

purchase or sale of property.

20. 50% of self-employment tax.

21. Seller-paid points on the purchase of

a home.

22. State personal property taxes on

cars and boats.

23. Subscriptions to professional jour-

nals.

24. Worthless stock or securities.

25. Mileage for volunteering or charita-

ble events.

Oh, and if you were a victim of theft or

vandalism, or flood or fire, had a car ac-

cident that wasn’t your fault—you could

get a tax break.

As always, check

with your tax advisor.

Proposition 60/90—Tax Relief for Seniors

Active Adults Corner Over 50? Get out of the house! http://overthehillganglosangeles.org

Are you 55 or older? If so, you

can save thousands of dollars each

year on your home property taxes.

How? Proposition 60/90! What is it? How does it work?

This proposition was passed to pro-vide tax relief to senior citizens

who sell their existing home and pur-chase a replacement residence worth

the same or less than the original. In

essence, if you are ready to sell your

home and would like to down size

into something smaller, maybe a

condo or just a less expensive house,

this proposition will carry over your current assessed real estate tax

value. For example, your existing

home is worth $750,000. You bought

it for $200,000. You are probably

paying somewhere around $2,500 a

year in Real Estate Taxes. Now, you

are ready to downsize and are look-

ing to buy a home for about $600,000.

Normally, your real estate taxes will

be calculated based on the purchase

price of $600,000. Real estate prop-

erty taxes run about 1.125% of the sales price in Los Angeles county.

This would mean that your taxes

would now be about $7,200. OUCH!!

This proposition allows you to carry

over your existing tax base of $2,500. Saving you almost $5,000 each

year!

There is certain criteria that you

must meet:

A) The replacement home must be

of EQUAL or LESSER value than the

home sold, AND

B) The replacement home must be

either in the same county or another

participating county.

That is all!!!!

The following counties participate

in this program: Alameda, Los Ange-

les, Orange, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Ventura.

This is as simple as filling out a

form. BUT, it has to be done within a

certain window of time.

Please do not hesitate to contact

me for further information on this

proposition or with any real estate

related question.

Please take advantage of this won-

derful opportunity! DO NOT throw

your money away!

Short Sale!

March 2008 Page 3

This pub l icat ion is for in fo rm at ion a l pu rpo se s on ly an d does not con st it ute le ga l or fin an cia l a dvice.

All information was obtained from sources deemed reliable, and while I do not doubt its accuracy, I cannot guarantee it. Some items provided by CAR Client

Direct and Fidelity National Home Warranty. If your property is listed with another broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

Who do you know right now who’s looking to buy, sell

or invest in real estate?

Q: Can I borrow money for the down payment?

A. Generally, the answer is no, although there are some ex-

ceptions. You may borrow money from your 401(k) or from cer-

tain types of life insurance policies. If you already own a home

and wish to buy a second home, you may take out a home eq-

uity loan and use it as a down payment. If you are a first-time

home buyer, there are special government and non-government pro-

grams that provide assistance with down payments (if you qualify). A gift

from a family member can also be used for a down payment. It must be a

real gift, though, (not a loan) and it must be from a blood-relative.

There are other acceptable sources of down payment money, but the space

here is too limited to list them all here. Have a real estate question? Feel free to contact me. Linda Lane-White

Ask an Expert

Remodeling?

Adding On?

Need a New Home Built?

CEEDUB CONSTRUCTION

(626) 786-1229

CA Lic #883002

Chris White, Owner

(30+ years of experience)

519 Alameda, Altadena

FREE ESTIMATE

Residential/Light Commercial

Unbelievable Price!

728 Colman Street, Altadena, CA

Only $749,000 (only $305/sf)

Appraised in 2006 at $986,000

4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath House

2,456 sf home on a 6,840 sf lot

Private Oasis on a Quiet Cul-de-sac

Completely rebuilt in 2006

Short Sale!

2 master suites, 1 with a fireplace, walk in closets

2 master baths with dual sinks, Jacuzzi© Tubs,

separate standing glass showers, & Toto low flow

toilets

Stainless steel Dacor stove, Jenn-Air refrigerator,

Insta-Hot dispenser

2 Rannei gas “tankless” water heaters

2 HVAC units

2 bedrooms downstairs, 2 master suites upstairs

Huge family room upstairs

Wrap around balcony

Large yard

Pool with child proof security fence

Spa with multi colored lights

Built In BBQ with sink located on covered porch

New copper plumbing throughout

New electrical wiring throughout

New roof

More Info? Call Linda Lane-White (626) 786-1231

www.728Colman.com

lindalanewhite@kw.com

Recent Area Sales

Page 4 Dena Land News

Days on

Market

Sold

Date

Sale

Price Address City

Bed/

Bath

S.F.

Home

S.F.

Land

142 02/22/08 $ 500,000 1741 Vistillas Altadena 3/1 1212 7500

201 02/25/08 $ 550,000 1709 N Altadena Dr Altadena 3/2 1492 7697

130 02/11/08 $ 815,000 1530 BraeBurn Rd Altadena 3/2 1692 9375

215 02/19/08 $ 554,000 2004 N Allen Ave Altadena 3/2 1582 12827

80 02/15/08 $ 385,000 114 W Mariposa St Altadena 3/2 1042 5400

243 02/27/08 $ 970,900 969 Kent St Altadena 2/4 2750 20099

95 03/03/08 $ 682,000 828 Golden West Arcadia 3/3 2028 Condo

225 02/15/08 $ 617,000 2113 Forbes Claremont 3/3 2216 2216

66 02/12/08 $ 499,999 2148 Duell Glendora 3/2 1421 7960

154 02/21/08 $ 975,000 4646 Palm Dr La Canada 3/2 1958 16550

147 03/03/08 $ 1,090,000 4127 Lanterman Ln La Canada 3/3 2218 10800

32 02/12/08 $ 1,295,000 1439 Lida St Pasadena 2/2 1634 8990

35 02/22/08 $ 728,500 1590 La Loma Rd Pasadena 3/2 1862 6220

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Large kitchen

Wood burning fireplace

Hardwood floors throughout

2 car detached garage

Spacious front & rear yards

Plenty of room for expansion

Central Air/Heat

Alarm system

This beautiful corner lot home is

located just down the block from

my home. It’s a great neighbor-

hood near Christmas Tree Lane,

the Rose Bowl, and JPL (3 blocks

west of Lake Ave.)

1,332 sf home on a 9,900 sf lot

444 Alameda Street, Altadena

For SALE or Lease $549,000 or $2,600/month

Call (626) 786-1231

www.444Alameda.com

Optimism Month: Research proves optimists achieve

more health, prosperity and happiness than pessimists.

Use this month long celebration to turn optimism into a

delightful, permanent habit. Red Cross Month: Being prepared for emergencies is

crucial at home, school, work and in

your community. The best way to make

you and your family safer is to be pre-pared BEFORE disaster strikes, so get a

kit, make a plan and be informed. For

m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n g o t o

www.redcross.org

Spring Forward on March 9, 2008! Daylight Saving

Time (DST) begins at 2a.m. on March 9, so move clocks

AHEAD one hour. DST ends at 2am on November 2, 2008.

Don’t forget to change the time on your clocks, watches,

microwaves, VCRs, etc. Also, change the batteries in

your smoke detectors and while you’re

at it, change some of your light bulbs to

energy efficient bulbs. This can save you lots of money on your electricity bill and

will help the environment. Sring Starts on March 20th

March is:

March 2008 Page 5

When Buying or Refinancing...

Call Peter First Peter Cosfol

& Augusta Financial

Get Pre-Approved Senior Loan Officer

Augusta Financial is a service oriented mortgage company that specializes in residential financing.

We have many loan programs to help our clients with all of their mortgage needs.

Peter offers the best pricing with the lowest fees!

Peter will personally address all of your questions and concerns regarding the loan process!

Augusta Financial makes the loan process seem easy!

Augusta is both Broker and Mortgage Banker!

We offer In-house processing and funding!

NO MONEY DOWN - NO MONEY FOR DEPOSITS - NO PROBLEM!

Excellent customer service!

(661) 260-2970 Office · (661) 291-2234 Direct · (818) 281-1466 Cell

Christmas Tree Lane is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as Cali-

fornia Historical Landmark No. 990. After 87 years of tree lighting, Christmas Tree Lane is in danger

of becoming extinct. The lack of volunteers and non-interest from the community has brought this

question to the table of the current board members.

At the last board meeting, there weren’t even enough members to get a general vote on a particu-

lar item. Doesn’t anyone care?

Though there are over 500 members who donate money during the years, physical help is needed

throughout the year to put up, take down and test lights and help plan the lighting ceremony. No, the

County does not help with this at all. It’s all done through the efforts of volunteers—like you and me!

How YOU can help NOW:

1) In March and April, every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 12pm help is needed to take down

the lights. Free donuts and coffee in the morning and a free hearty lunch is served at 12:00 at a home

down the street. JUST SHOW UP!!!!! Bring the whole family!

2) High School service clubs, Rotary, Kiwanis, etc. are all perfect organizations that can help.

3) On the 2nd Tuesday of every month, the Christmas Tree Lane Association holds a meeting at the

Altadena Library—all are welcome to attend. New board members are needed!

4) Visit www.christmastreelane.net or call (626) 403-1123. You can even call me on my cell at

(626) 786-1231 and I’ll be more than happy to assist you with your questions or concerns.

Will Christmas Tree Lane Go Dark?

Call for Community Service

Assistance

Your Help is NEEDED!

March Happenings in Dena Land

Every Sat/Sun 9am-12pm. Christmas Tree Lane needs volunteers to assist in taking down the lights on the lane. FREE Coffee

and donuts in the morning and a free hearty lunch at noon. 626/403-1123

Now through Mar 23. All female production of ―Othello‖. Theatre @ Boston Court. Boston Court Performing Arts Center. 70 N. Men-

tor Ave., Pasadena. 626-683-6883 or www.bostoncourt.com $27.00—$32.00

Now through Mar 16 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Theatre 360. 75 N Marengo ave., Pasadena 626-577-5922 or

www.theatre360.org $11.00 to $20.00 Mar 9. 12:30pm Athletic Garage’s 6th Annual World of Dance Showcase. 121 Waverly Dr., Pasadena. 626-229-9769 www.athletic-

garage.com $10 cash only. Bleacher seating (first come, first served) Mar. 9. 2:00pm. The Great Pasadena Purse Swap. Take in a purse, bag or tote and exchange it for somebody else’s. Pasadena Mu-

seum of History 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena. 626-577-1660 or www.pasadenahistory.org $5 or $8 Mar 10. ALL DAY. Linda Lane-White’s Birthday. The greatest gift I could receive is a referral to a friend or family member. Who

do you know right now who’s looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate? Mar. 14. 8-11pm. Mambo Combo (featuring Martin Beijer) performs at Holly Street Bar and Grill 175 E Holly St., Pasadena 626-440-

1421 or www.hollystreetbarandgrill.com Mar 15. 7am Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Rose Bowl. 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena. 626-535-2424 or www.komenlacounty.org

Mar 15/16 8am. Pasadena 10k/5k Walk. Walk by ―Old Town‖, the Wrigley Mansion, the Rose Bowl & City Hall. Strollers and dogs on

leash are ok. Starts at Brookside Park 360 N. Arroyo, Pasadena. 818-981-3060 Merle Dvorak merlewalkntalk@yahoo.com Mar. 15. 10:30am St. Patrick’s Day Party at Vroman’s Bookstore. 695 E Colorado 626-449-5320 www.vromansbookstore.com

Mar. 15. & 29 8pm Saturday Night Swing Dance. Live swing band . Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association 997 E Walnut, Pasadena.

626-799-5689 or www.pasadenaballroomdance.com FREE class from 7:30 to 8pm then $15 Mar. 22 8am. Spring Rummage/Book Sale & Chili Party. Pasadena Senior Center 85 E Holly St., Pasadena. 626-685-6754 M.M. Rozell

or www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org $15, $20, $25 Mar. 22. 8:30am. Reggae Rhythm of Life 5k/10k Run & Walk. Supports the Verdugo Mental Health’s programs. Area H. next to the

Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Dr., Pasadena 818-542-6945 or www.vmhc.org $25 or $30 for late registrants. Easter Events—Descanso Gardens: 818-949-4200 or www.descansogardens.org, L.A. Arboretum 626-821-3233 or

www.arboretum.org, City of South Pasadena 626-403-7380, Loma Alta Park 626-794-8811, Farnsworth Park 626-798-6335 Mar 28/29. 9-midnight. Robert Kyle and his Brazilian Trio perform at Red, White & Bluezz. 70 S. Raymond., Pasadena 626-792-4441.

www.robertkyle.com Mar 29. 6:30pm John Muir High Alumni Association Casino Night. Proceeds go to support students at activities at John Muir High

School. BBQ dinner, games and prizes. Shakespeare Club 171 S Grand 626-208-1351 www.johnmuiralumni.org $50

Pasadena Market Center

445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

Cell: (626) 786-1231

Office: (626) 204-3436

Fax: (626) 296-1979

lindalanewhite@kw.com Home Office: 519 Alameda, Altadena

In Tune Wit h Your Needs

www.lindalanewhite.com

If You Would Like To Receive This

Newsletter on a Regular Basis for

Guaranteed Delivery (Snail or E-Mail)

Call me or send me an E-Mail...LLW

Linda Lane-White “Singing” Realtor® CA Lic #01091347 (since 1990)

Notary Public (since 1987)

Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated

Search the MLS on my web site!