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How To Buy A House

PASADENA REAL ESTATE GUIDE

HOME BUYER TIPS AND ADVICE

Are you ready to buy a house? You have come to the right place.  Below, you will find links to articles that we hope will be useful to you.  Just click on the corresponding link and you will be taken directly to the article. Feel free to browse through these home buying articles. The most important thing for you to know is that you need to be represented and being a home buyer in Pasadena or surrounding neighborhoods is great – why?  Because you get real estate agent representation for free! That should put a smile on your face 🙂

When you are ready to begin your home search and would like to schedule a personalized home buying consultation, give us a call at (626) 629-8439.  We look forward to being of assistance to you.

How do you calculate your home buying affordability? Here’s great advice from our lender of choice – Calculating Your Home Affordability.

Tips for getting more home for your money – stretch that $. Read 5 tips for getting more home for your $.

Every industry, real estate included, has its own “rules of the game”. It is important to understand the proper etiquette when you are shopping for a home in Pasadena.

An absolutely “must read” when buying a home – 9 Stupid Things Buyers do to Mess Up their Home Purchase.

UNDERSTANDING THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

Okay, so you have an accepted offer, your down payment is lined up… what will you be paying in closing costs? Read what kind of home closing costs should I expect during escrow?

Did you know that there are two types of closing costs when purchasing a home: Understand the difference between recurring and non-recurring closing costs.

What are home purchase contingencies? And, can the escrow be cancelled by a seller? Yes… read how at Pasadena home sale escrow can be cancelled by a seller.

When you buy a home in Pasadena, it’s usual and customary to put a 3% earnest money deposit. Make sure that you understand how to protect that hard earned money by reading the fastest way to lose your earnest money deposit.

Now that you found your home, what kind of inspections should you be ordering? A physical home inspection and sewer line inspection at a minimum!

One of the things that home buyers need to decide on while they are in escrow is how to hold title. Take a look at Property Title Insurance – What is it for and what are your options?

Here are some of the recent homes for sale around Pasadena California:

Learning about homes for sale educates you on the state of the current real estate market.

  • Fri, 03 May 2024 14:43:00 +0000: $2,999,000 :: 2057 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena CA, 91030 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
    Property Photo



    4 beds, 5 baths
    Home size: 3,275 sq ft
    Lot Size: 15,042 sq ft
    Added: 04/25/24, Last Updated: 05/03/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: P1-17405
    Community: So. Pasadena
    The price of this listing was last reduced on 5/3/2024 by 6%
    Status: Active


    Discover the enduring allure of this timeless 1920s gem. Seamlessly blending vintage charm with contemporary elegance, this meticulously updated home is designed to uplift and inspire with its warm, spacious interiors and classic beauty. Nestled on a tree-lined street in picturesque South Pasadena, 2057 Fair Oaks Ave is the perfect place to plant your roots in a vibrant community characterized by historic charm, lush scenery, and excellent schools.Sunlight pours through abundant windows, casting a warm glow across the thoughtfully designed layout. Gleaming hardwood floors, coved ceilings, and graceful archways evoke the charm of a bygone era. The expansive open kitchen truly shines, with a vast marble counter and stainless appliances offering the perfect space for whipping up tasty meals both big and small for lively gatherings with loved ones. Seamlessly transitioning into the spacious family room, you'll love hosting festive celebrations and Sunday brunch in such a cheerful space. As an added bonus, the lower level features a versatile room with a private entrance, perfect for a media or game room. Outside, a backyard sanctuary invites you to bask in the sun, host BBQs, and enjoy al-fresco dining all while surrounded by fruit trees and fragrant roses. Take refuge from the summer sun under the wisteria-topped pergola while sipping ice cold drinks with your favorite people in the world. Your joyful next chapter awaits in this gorgeous So Pas character home!

    Listed with Evangelyn Lin CalDRE: 01817694 | (626) 807-6581, eXp Realty of California, Inc.


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Fri, 03 May 2024 13:39:00 +0000: $1,788,000 :: 2219 S 5th Ave, Arcadia CA, 91006 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
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    3 beds, 3 baths
    Home size: 2,322 sq ft
    Lot Size: 9,118 sq ft
    Added: 04/22/24, Last Updated: 05/03/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: AR24080272
    Community: Arcadia
    The price of this listing was last reduced on 5/3/2024 by 2%
    Status: Active


    Great curb appeal with 75 feet frontage. Beautifully updated contemporary style single story home on a peaceful neighborhood in the heart of Arcadia, in the prestigious Arcadia School District. Newer roof, newer air conditioning unit, completely upgraded bathrooms and kitchen etc just to name a few.

    Listed with Tony Chi-Lap Leung CalDRE: 01222510 | 626-375-0660, Tony Chi-Lap Leung


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Fri, 03 May 2024 12:54:00 +0000: $1,250,000 :: 3895 Mayfair, Pasadena CA, 91107 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
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    3 beds, 2 baths
    Home size: 1,594 sq ft
    Lot Size: 8,686 sq ft
    Added: 05/03/24, Last Updated: 05/03/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: PW24089093
    Community: Pasadena (NE)
    Status: Active


    This property located in Lower Hastings Ranch of Pasadena. Living Space/1,594 Sqft on a Lot/8,686 Sqft. It features 3 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms and a private pool in the backyard. This house has been extensively remodeled, which includes replacing all windows with new dual-pane windows as well as replacing all carpet with new laminated wood flooring. Added new recessed lights in the living room, kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. Almost fully remodeled the kitchen which includes adding a new gas line with a new gas stove as well as a new dishwasher. Exterior whole house was power washed. The location is very close to local parks, shopping and restaurants. Property is in sold-as-is condition. No repairs and no termite clearance report. This home is a chance for buyers to find their dream home in the Lower Hastings Ranch Community in Pasadena.

    Listed with Darrin Kuei CalDRE: 00984937 | 562-402-4520, Manna Realty


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Fri, 03 May 2024 12:54:00 +0000: $1,300,000 :: 1401 Lida Street, Pasadena CA, 91103 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
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    3 beds, 2 baths
    Home size: 1,710 sq ft
    Lot Size: 10,751 sq ft
    Added: 05/02/24, Last Updated: 05/03/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: P1-17506
    Community: Pasadena (NW)
    Status: Active


    Linda Vista FIXER bring your contractors! This house has not been on the market in approximately 50 years! Good size house and lot ready for your buyers personal touch. Exposed beamed ceilings in the living room, fireplaces in the living room and family room, step up master suite, wonderful breakfast nook, central air, private front and rear yard and so much more. Show this today it will not last

    Listed with Patrick McGinley CalDRE: 01008113 | (626) 204-2324, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Golden Properties


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Fri, 03 May 2024 10:34:00 +0000: $1,798,000 :: 400 W Woodruff Avenue, Arcadia CA, 91007 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
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    3 beds, 2 baths
    Home size: 1,850 sq ft
    Lot Size: 14,846 sq ft
    Added: 05/02/24, Last Updated: 05/03/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: AR24087625
    Community: Arcadia
    Status: Active


    Charming one level home with gorgeous San Gabriel mountain views on a spacious lot with a guest house and large swimming pool in the desirable Arcadia school district. Open kitchen floor plan with wood paneled family room and dine-in seating area. All this in addition to the formal dining and living room, featuring a wood-burning fireplace and custom plantation shutters. Three spacious bedrooms round out the living area with two baths. The large primary en suite features private bath, double closets and dressing area leading to a “secret garden” patio, perfect for early morning coffee or tea. The other two bedrooms both have ample closet space and share a hall bath. Terrific kitchen layout also has an abundance of storage and the laundry area is only a step away. A bright and sunny family room has an airy vaulted ceiling and sliding glass doors providing lots of natural light. Beautiful wood panelling really brings the outdoors in to this wonderful space. Sliders provide great backyard views and lead to a spacious deck and private patio with the pool beyond, perfect for BBQ’s and entertaining. A huge backyard space with plenty of patio decking and a big lawn too. The very private, permitted, guest house with separate entry has a recently remodeled bathroom with zero entry shower, kitchenette with gas hookup and newer Carrier Ductless HVAC system. An adjoining private single car garage offers convenience and comfort with its own additional newer Carrier Ductless HVAC system. Potential ADU conversion and expansion or live there during a remodel and have possibilities later. Ample garage space (all with automatic roll up doors) in addition to an extra workshop really provides the total package. Large driveway apron has parking for 4 cars. This wonderful Arcadia home offers countless possibilities - Update this timeless Ranch style home or redesign it into a modern sensation. This one is going fast!

    Listed with Pamela DelRey CalDRE: 00864033 | 626-358-4560, Art Del Rey Realty, Inc.


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Fri, 03 May 2024 09:18:00 +0000: $899,000 :: 87 E Montana Street, Pasadena CA, 91103 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
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    2 beds, 1 bath
    Home size: 986 sq ft
    Lot Size: 5,001 sq ft
    Added: 05/03/24, Last Updated: 05/03/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: OC24087495
    Community: Pasadena (NW)
    Status: Active


    Turn-key single level home sitting on a corner lot is ready to be made yours and features a great floorplan with recessed lights, a custom paint scheme, wood floors in the main living areas, Smart home features including a thermostat & doorbell, and many updates throughout the entire home. Enter into the spacious living room and dining room which opens to the updated galley kitchen with white cabinets, subway tile backsplash, on-trend butcher block counters, and stainless steel appliances with included refrigerator. There is an in-home laundry room just off of the kitchen with included stackable washer and dryer, and a pantry area. The bedrooms are clustered together and sitting off of the living room, and there is a bonus room/office or 3rd bedroom option as well as a full-size hall bathroom with subway tile in the shower and custom tile floor! The large main bedroom features a gorgeous light fixture and also offers lots of natural light. Enjoy the very private backyard with blooming garden and mountain views, a beautiful place to relax in and there is also a paved side area between the home and the garage with enough space for a patio table and chairs and is the perfect space for entertaining guests. Additional features include a 2-car garage, driveway parking for 2, fully-fenced with wrought iron fencing in front and chain-link on the sides, and the home also has central A/C! Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and not far from the 210 Fwy!

    Listed with Sylva Khayalian CalDRE: 01323217 | 310-409-2885, Redfin Corporation


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Fri, 03 May 2024 08:18:00 +0000: $1,648,000 :: 1669 Hilliard Drive, San Marino CA, 91108 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
    Property Photo



    3 beds, 2 baths
    Home size: 1,471 sq ft
    Lot Size: 8,146 sq ft
    Added: 02/19/24, Last Updated: 05/03/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: OC24017467
    Community: San Marino
    The price of this listing was last reduced on 4/3/2024 by 3%
    Status: Active


    BEAUTIFUL 1930'S TUDOR HOME! Just waiting for your remodeling! Huge flat back yard to possibly build your ADU or just amazing family area! This home is a "Fixer" for a possible remode. Yet, it has all the original arch-ways from an early classic century home! 3 bedrooms upstairs. A small Galley kitchen downstairs - can be easily blown-out to a large dream kitchen! HUGE POTENTIAL!! FLAT LOT. Owners have installed SOLAR PANELS. NEWER A/C, HEATER & DUCT WORK! NEWER ROOFING. NEWER PIPING. The 2-Car garage has a loft included and there is are 3 sheds in the back. Nothing additional has been permitted. NOTE: HOME IS A 'FIXER", VERY OVERLOADED WITH ITEMS. HUGE POTENTIAL FOR A REMODEL. There are many mature trees - Avocado, Macadamia, Orange and Tangerine trees. HUGE POSSIBILITIES!

    Listed with Pattie Kelleher CalDRE: 01869593 | 760-776-9898, Coldwell Banker Realty


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Fri, 03 May 2024 05:48:00 +0000: $1,380,000 :: 5519 Hallowell Avenue, Arcadia CA, 91007 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
    Property Photo



    3 beds, 3 baths
    Home size: 1,826 sq ft
    Lot Size: 7,994 sq ft
    Added: 05/06/23, Last Updated: 05/03/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: AR23060456
    Community: Arcadia
    Status: Active


    This charming single level home is located in a very quiet and friendly Arcadia neighborhood. It offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and about 2,000 square feet of living space on a 7,990 square feet lot. Entering the house, on the left, is a large cozy living room with a fireplace facing the well-landscaped front yard. To the right is an entertainment bar, connecting to the dining room and a fully equipped kitchen, exiting to the laundry room, a shower bathroom, and a storage space. The hallway leads to the bedrooms' entrances. The master bedroom is shared a Jack-and-Jill with another bedroom. The third bedroom with a fireplace and a murphy bed has access to the backyard. 2-car-detached garage. Convenient to many shopping, dining, and a block from the Live Oak Park. Sold "as-is"!

    Listed with Jih Tang CalDRE: 01755519 | 626-204-3300, Keller Williams Realty


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Thu, 02 May 2024 23:57:00 +0000: $25,000,000 :: 300 N San Rafael Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91105 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
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    8 beds, 14 baths
    Home size: 20,567 sq ft
    Lot Size: 147,787 sq ft
    Added: 05/02/24, Last Updated: 05/02/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: P1-17498
    Community: Pasadena (NW)
    Status: Active


    Roland and Margarita Hernandez House: Buff, Smith and Hensman, 1997.One of the largest private view estates in greater Pasadena, the Hernandez House sits on 3.4 acres in the prestigious San Rafael Hills. Fully gated and mostly level, the site provides sweeping views looking east over the historic Colorado St bridge and the city of Pasadena and dramatic mountain vistas to the north and east. Designed by the iconic and pioneering firm of Buff & Hensman in 1997 and expanded in 2002, the 8-BR suite and 14-BA main structure spans three levels of living space, purposefully designed for an organic relationship between lifestyle and site. Having evolved from true post and beam structures, the estate employs many of the contemporary innovations that would later define Buff & Hensman. The home was planned so all major areas are oriented towards the best views. 20' ceilings with sides of glass open to the rear yard, 'merging' with the surrounding environment. 60' pool is bisected by elevated limestone bridge, creating a lap pool and waterfall to the north and wider family pool with spa to the south. Large lawn leads to glass paneled 2BR/2BA guest house with kitchen and fireplace that can be completely opened to lawn and adjacent N/S lighted champion tennis court. Having first engaged Buff and Hensman to build their Pasadena home, the Hernandez's and architects then embarked on the most difficult task of locating and acquiring the ideal site that would not only complement, but integrate with, the living spaces imagined by the Hernandez. As arduous as it was to find the initial site, it was an intersection of planning and good fortune that allowed them to procure and expand to the adjacent 300 Los Altos Dr. parcel in 2002. A truly rare confluence of events that lead to the marriage of a significant architectural home to be perfectly oriented on an expansive, private site with boundless, unobstructed views. *FEATURES: *Entry-level: Entry, living room & great room w/20' ceilings, dining room, open: kitchen, family, & breakfast area, library, laundry, BD-suite, guest kitchen and guest suite, 2 Add'l BA's.*Upper: Primary suite w/2 BA's & 2/walk-in clsts, 4 Add'l BR-suites, study/BR-suite, office.*Lower: Wine, entertnmnt lounge w/BA, gym w/BA, sauna. *2-story, 8-car garage.*60' pool w/spa.*Lighted N/S tennis w/BA.*Glass-paneled 2BR/2BA w/kitchn guest house.*Fully gated w/2-automatic auto gates.*Viewing terrace.*Play area.*Add'l access from Los Altos.

    Listed with Brent Chang CalDRE: 01822562 | (626) 487-8100, COMPASS


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


  • Thu, 02 May 2024 21:03:00 +0000: $1,800,000 :: 1380 Cresthaven Drive, Pasadena CA, 91105 - Luxury Homes around Pasadena
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    3 beds, 2 baths
    Home size: 1,894 sq ft
    Lot Size: 14,506 sq ft
    Added: 05/02/24, Last Updated: 05/02/24
    Property Type: Single Family
    MLS Number: P1-17495
    Community: Pasadena (SW)
    Status: Active


    Tucked in Pasadena's picturesque San Rafael Hills, 1380 Cresthaven Dr offers exceptional privacy and captivating hilltop views while being just minutes away from the best attractions in Pasadena, Highland Park, and Eagle Rock. The home sits near the top of a peaceful cul-de-sac, elevated from the street with lush plantings and vibrant blooms in the front yard. Inside, you're treated to bright and breezy spaces with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and large picture windows welcoming in soft natural light. To the left, rests a cheerful kitchen and casual dining area looking out to the beautiful yard. An open floor plan means the living room, dining room, and family room flow together effortlessly with walls of glass sliders framing gorgeous views and offering access to the backyard. Down the hall, you'll find the bright and spacious sleeping quarters, including a luxurious primary suite with 10' ceilings, custom built-ins, and a dual vanity bath with a walk-in closet. In the serene, easy-care backyard sanctuary, a pergola-covered patio and a wooden deck are surrounded by a blooming hillside and inspiring mountain views. This is the perfect setting for savoring summer BBQs, a sunset glass of wine, and joyful year-round gatherings with family and friends. Brimming with exciting possibilities in one of Pasadena's most beloved neighborhoods, 1380 Cresthaven Dr presents a special opportunity not to be missed!

    Listed with Evangelyn Lin CalDRE: 01817694 | (626) 807-6581, eXp Realty of California, Inc.


    Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!


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