Easter Weekend in Greater Los Angeles

Easter Weekend in Greater Los Angeles

By: Linda K Mayer, SRES

Okay, so I found many links to all kinds of events this Easter weekend.  Things to do such as Easter egg hunts for the kids in many places, Cookie Monster Cookie sale to benefit a "No Kid Hungry" campaign by a non-profit in the Inland Empire, and Easter Brunch on the USS Iowa.  Not to mention many Good Friday and Easter celebrations.

If I blogged about them all, you would be reading for a week and miss everything, so I decided to give you the links themselves.

Easter in the San Gabriel Valley, (SoCAL 210 Corridor) via the San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Weekend Fun Guide for the Inland Empire (SoCAL 210 Corridor) via the IE Shine on Blog

Things to Do This Easter Weekend, (SoCAL 210 Corridor) via the Daily Breeze which covers LAX to LA Harbor

There are so many choices, you may have a hard time deciding what to do this Easter Weekend in Greater Los Angeles.

For me, tonight is Good Friday Communion Service at 7PM.  It will be held at Water of Life Summit Church on the corner of Cherry and Summit in the City of Fontana.  And tomorrow morning, Water of Life Summit will be hosting the City Of Fontana's Easter Egg hunt and carnival at the park starting at 10AM.  And naturally, Water of Life Summit for Church on easter Sunday Morning.  Lunch with kids and Grandma.  So much fun to be had celebrating the true meaning of Easter.

And with that, here is a great song that was used in the mini series "The Bible".

                                      

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.
Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor, SRES
License # 01767321
A Realtor you can Trust!
(626) 824-8927 Cell
LindaKMayer@live.com
Linda's Website

Things To Do In La Verne, CA

Things To Do In La Verne, CA

Okay, so I may have moved a few towns away from La Verne, CA, but I am constantly running over there.  Whether it be for a networking event (yes, I am entrenched) or to show houses, I am always driving back.  

I get all kinds of emails from the merchants, and contacts over in La Verne, and especially pay attention to the emails I receive from the La Verne Chamber of Commerce.  So I was really excited to find out that there are two major events coming up in the next couple of weeks.

The first event coming up is the "Cool Cruise" the king of car shows held right in downtown La Verne.  It will be on Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 7am until 3PM.  The event is free to attend and usually a ton of fun!  If you want to have a vendor booth, you can call the La Verne Chamber at (909) 593-5265.  

The second event is the, "Sip of La Verne" which will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 in - you guessed it - downtown La Verne. This event will have food and wine tasting, and if you know anything about the restaurants in downtown, you know you definitely won't be disappointed. The cost for presale tickets is $30 and will be $35 the night of the event.  Click the link to find out more information.

For more things to do in La Verne, CA, visit the La Verne Chamber of Commerce website.  

And if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in the La Verne, CA area, please contact me.  I will be happy to answer all of your questions, and help you get the home of your dreams.

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor
License # 01767321
A Realtor you can Trust!
(626) 824-8927 Cell
LindaKMayer@live.com
Linda's Website

My New and Improved Facebook Fan Page

My New and Improved Facebook Fan Page

Okay, so I finally decided to get my IMSD (Internet Marketing Specialist Designation)... and have learned a whole bunch in just a couple of weeks.

From my Facebook personal page, I have been posting everything under the sun, including real estate postings.  And a lot of people who are still my "friends" aren't showing up in my feeds any longer.  They show up as friends, but I'm sure most of them aren't reading my postings any longer.  Oh well, live and learn. So what I learned was to target my audience and have redone my Facebook FanPage to reflect this.

So in honor of my new and improved Facebook FanPage, Linda K Mayer, Realtor, won't you guys please go and like it?  And if you put your link in the comments below, I will go and like yours as well!

Thanks in advance.  I knew I could count on you!

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor
License # 01767321
A Realtor you can Trust!
(626) 824-8927 Cell
LindaKMayer@live.com
Linda's Website

This Girl May Run The World Someday - What About You? or What Truly Matters to You?

This Girl May Run The World Someday - What About You?

or What Truly Matters to You?

Okay, so I was watching a posted video on Facebook this morning by a group(?) called Things That Matter.  You know me, I'm all about the things that truly matter.

The title of the posting was called, "I never met a 15 year old and thought 'She's Gonna Run the World One Day'. Yet here we are."  It's an amazing video about this girl named Tavi Gevinson and in it she is giving a presentation called, "Still Figuring It Out".  And boy, oh boy, is she amazing!

So here is the video.  And while you are listening to Tavi, I want you to think about what you want to do that  "Truly Matters".  Is it real estate or building your business, is it marketing, is it spending more time with your family?  I'd love to hear some of your thoughts and answers. And after you decide, I challenge you to make more time for it in your life!

For me personally, I have to say my family time matters and above all, building treasures in heaven where they can't break or be stolen.  And don't forget the reason I got into this business, helping people achieve their dreams and goals.

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor

License # 01767321

A Realtor you can Trust!

(626) 824-8927 Cell

LindaKMayer@live.com

Linda's Website

St Patrick's Day - Let's Think About Green Loans

St Patrick's Day - Let's Think About Green Loans

Okay, so everyone knows about the 203K loans, right?  The loans where you roll a few "remodel" fees into the loan itself.  The issue with these loans is that you get a higher percentage rate.

So let me tell you about so-called "Green loans". Green loans are loans that allow for energy efficient improvements to be made to the property and rolled into the original loan. Yes, you can refi into this as well. And the best, you guessed it, the percentage rate of the loan stays the same! 

These loans are actually part of the Energy Efficient Mortgage Program. In this program, you can receive 5% of the sale/refi price up to $8,000 not including funds for the weatherization or $4,000.  Here in California, this most always would be a sum greater than the minimum $4,000.

The funds can be used for things such as energy efficient windows, an new energy efficient air conditioner, water heater replacement, duct leaks in your existing air flow system, of course solar power and the list goes on.

Not every mortgage professional is knowledgeable in these loans.  So for more information in California, you can visit our California Site.  And if you can't find a loan officer who is versed in this subject, please call Vicki Kelly at Global Mortgage.  Her phone number is (909) 922-6000.  She is a master at this. And please tell her I sent you.

Once again, if you need any questions answered or need help in the area with buying or selling, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I would be honored to help you.  And if you need a FREE HOME EVALUATION, it wold be my pleasure to help you with that as well. Always go with a Realtor You Can Trust!

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor

License # 01767321

A Realtor you can Trust!

(626) 824-8927 Cell

LindaKMayer@live.com

Linda's Website

St Patrick's Day Weekend 2013- Things to Do Around the 210 Corridor

Okay, so here are some things to do this St Patrick's Day Weekend in and around the 210 corridor in Southern California.  I know not everyone is into St Patrick's Day, so there is a vast variety of activities all around the area.

  

(Click the links provided for more information on any event.)

Friday, March 15, 2013

Barney's Beanery in Santa Monica will be holding the Official St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl.  Kick off party Friday night!  Buy a 2-day pass to attend both Friday's and Saturday's events!

The Last Day's Of Judas Iscariot will be presented at the Victory Theater in Burbank.  (Various dates and showtimes.)

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Ontario Firefighters will be serving from 11AM to 11PM the El Torito Restaurant in Ontario.  For more information you can call (909) 994-9102 and speak to the restaurant for reservations.

Barney's Beanery in Santa Monica will be holding the Official St Patrick's Day Bar Crawl.  Continues on Saturday.  Buy a 2-day pass to attend both Friday evening and Saturday's events!

The Glendora Library will be hosting a talk on the Flying Dutchman ghost ship.  The talk will go from 2PM- 3:30.

The DOT Independent Film Festival will be held in Pasadena starting at 9AM.  DOT is a student film festival by students from all across the nation.

Saturday is JAZZ DAY at Pasadena City College.  The event begins at 8Am and goes until 6PM.

Wildflowers at Home - a workshop will be presented at The Huntington Library in Pasadena starting at 9:30am.

The Sierra Madre Public Library will host a workshop on Ancestry.com.  The event begins at 10:30am.

The Arroyo Terrace Walking Tour, hosted by the Gamble House of Pasadenawill start at 10AM.  If you've never walked the Arroyo in Pasadena, it is all around the amazing neighborhood surrounding the Rose Bowl.  Amazing homes and scenery.

Starting at Noon, Jessica Alba will be signing her new book at Vroman's in Pasadena. "The Honest Life - Living Naturally and True to You".

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Los Angeles St Patrick's Day Festical Begins at 10AM  For more information click the link

5th Annual Norwuz (Iranian New Year) at LACMA (La County Museum of Art)  Goes from 11:30AM to 7PM

Shamrock-N-Roll!  at the Pasadena Playhouse from 1PM-10PM.  Now this one sounds like a ton of fun with cover bands such as Dread Zeppelin, etc.

The Wisteria Festival will be held in the City of Sierra Madre beginning at 10AM.

Long Beach will be holding it's Antique Market from 5:30Am to 3PM at Vetran's Stadium.

Altadena Ale & Wine House will be holding their St Paddy's Day Party starting at 12 Noon.

As you can see, on any given weekend, there are many things to do covering a wide variety of interests.  What an amazing place to live and play - 210 corridor in Southern California.

(Click the links provided for more information on any event.)

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor

License # 01767321

A Realtor you can Trust!

(626) 824-8927 Cell

LindaKMayer@live.com

Linda's Website

Forbes Says: 45% Cheaper to Buy Than Rent

Forbes Says: 45% Cheaper to Buy Than Rent

Okay, so I was reading AGAIN!  I know you are all just surprised and shocked.  But this Forbes Article was really worth the read.

It explains how Trulia's Chief Economist, Jed Kolko calculated his findings.  It even has calculations for Los Angeles and other metro areas because obviously the percentage will change with the area.  Once again, ALL real estate is local.  

When you couple this Forbes Article with the blog I read this morning, called Friends Don't Let Friends Rent by Lanise Warrior, you really can see a huge savings here in California.  In her blog, Lanise writes about today's LA Times Article which says that California is second highest in rents.  We are second only to Hawaii, go figure!

Here's a scenario for you.  If YOU purchased a home today for $275,000 and got a 3.5% interest rate, with a larger down, the payments would only be $696 per month.  That is without taxes and insurance figured in.  So with those, approximately $1000 per month.  Now a home rental would be at least $2000 a month.  That's a savings of $1000 per month.  Think of the endless possibilities.

Once again, if you need any questions answered or need help in the area with buying or selling, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I would be honored to help you.  And if you need a FREE HOME EVALUATION, it wold be my pleasure to help you with that as well. Always go with a Realtor You Can Trust! 

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor
License # 01767321
A Realtor you can Trust!
(626) 824-8927 Cell
LindaKMayer@live.com
Linda's Website

Millions Could be Helped By New Credit Score

Millions Could be Helped By New Credit Score

Okay, so I was reading yet ANOTHER article in CNN Money News.  It was talking about the new credit score coming which will be called by the name VANTAGESCORE 3.0.

This new credit scoring system will help with many things.  Two of them stood out in my mind.  As I have kids the biggest benefit I can see is the fact that people with no or little credit will actually be rated and can by larger items they may normally have to have a cosigner for.

Citizens who have been in collections but have paid off that debt currently see those issues appearing on their credit score for up to seven years.  Now, however, those will be wiped off as soon as they are paid off.  

And for residents affected by natural disasters such as a major hurricane, will be able to benefit significantly from good credit behaviors.  Things such as making payments even through the hardships of such an major life event. 

"But the boost only matters if a lender uses the new VantageScore. While FICO is still the most widely used scoring model, the VantageScore is gaining ground. It's currently used by seven of the top 10 financial institutions, six of the top 10 credit card issuers and four of the leading auto lenders and mortgage lenders, according to its website."

There is much more useful information in this article in CNN Money, and I suggest you read it for yourself and for your clients!

Once again, if you need any questions answered or need help in the are with buying or selling, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I would be honored to help you.  And if you need a FREE HOME EVALUATION, it wold be my pleasure to help you with that as well.

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor
License # 01767321
A Realtor you can Trust!
(626) 824-8927 Cell
LindaKMayer@live.com
Linda's Website

Another California Earthquake

Another California Earthquake

Okay, so we had yet another California earthquake today.  It was about 50 miles southeast of my area.  Usually we can feel these quakes, but today, I got NADA, nothing, ziltch.  (Ziltch is a really fun game, by the way.)

A lot of people are scared away from California Living because of the earthquake threat.  But I'm here to tell you, the ones you can actually feel are few and far between.  We have earthquakes continuously, but they are usually under a 3.0 and no one actually even knows they are happening.

As for today's quake, it was a 4.7 and of course there were no reports of damage or injuries... you can read about it via the Washington Post HERE:  

Magnitude 4.7 earthquake shakes wide area of Southern California; no damage reported

And you can research earthquakes by visiting Cal Tech's website.  They show recent earthquakes and have a few pages where you can do some research. Seriously interesting stuff!

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.
Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor
License # 01767321
A Realtor you can Trust!
(626) 824-8927 Cell
LindaKMayer@live.com
Linda's Website

Why It is STILL a Sellers Market in La Verne, CA

Why It is STILL a Sellers Market in La Verne, CA

Okay, so the last statistics have proven to you that it is definitely a SELLERS MARKET.  But the trend is continuing and even growing here in La Verne, CA.  

Last week, there were a total of 7 new listings.  Last time there were also 7 new listings.  When you compare this week's 7 to the 7 sold homes you can see that there aren't going to be many homes on the market for very long.  

What does this mean to you if you want to sell?  This means that your home can be sold in a short period of time and many times will sell for more than the asking price.  Naturally, this doesn't mean that you can price your home high and expect the same results.  But that's another whole blog.  This whole environment can cause bidding wars which can make the price of your home increase.

There were 3 price changes, usually this means lowering of the asking price and 4 more have gone into back-up status.  Back-up status means that the home has an accepted offer but for some reason they are preparing in case the buyer backs out, or for some other reason like a short sale waiting on the bank's response.

When you figure in the 1 that went pending (into escrow), that's a whole lot more properties than came on the market this week.  

So, in recap, 1 pending, 7 sold, and 4 into back-up for a total of 12 homes off the market.  When you compare that to the measly 7 that came into the market, you can easily see why this is a great time to get top dollar for your home.

If you are thinking of selling, or buying for that matter, please always contact a local expert for the area so they know how to advise you.  All real estate is local down to the neighborhood still and so you need someone who knows what's what.  I stay on top of the cities I serve (such as La Verne, CA) as you can see and will be more than happy to help you with your real estate needs whether that be to answer any question you may have or give you a free home valuation. And ALWAYS go with a Realtor you can trust!

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor
License # 01767321
A Realtor you can Trust!
(626) 824-8927 Cell
LindaKMayer@live.com
Linda's Website

Why It is STILL a Sellers Market in Claremont, CA

Why It is STILL a Sellers Market in Claremont, CA

Okay, so the last statistics have proven to you that it is definitely a SELLERS MARKET.  But the trend is continuing and even growing here in Claremont, CA.  

Last week, there were a total of 8 new listings.  Last time there were 7 new listings and now we are up to 8.  When you compare this week's 8 to the 9 sold homes you can see that there aren't going to be many homes on the market for very long.  

What does this mean to you if you want to sell?  This means that your home can be sold in a short period of time and many times will sell for more than the asking price.  Naturally, this doesn't mean that you can price your home high and expect the same results.  But that's another whole blog.  This whole environment can cause bidding wars which can make the price of your home increase.

There were 7 price changes, usually this means lowering of the asking price and 5 more have gone into back-up status.  Back-up status means that the home has an accepted offer but for some reason they are preparing in case the buyer backs out, or for some other reason like a short sale waiting on the bank's response.

When you figure in the 7 that went pending (into escrow), that's a whole lot more properties than came on the market this week.  

So, in recap, 5 pending, 9 sold, and 6 into back-up for a total of 20 homes off the market.  When you compare that to the measly 8 that came into the market, you can easily see why this is a great time to get top dollar for your home.

If you are thinking of selling, or buying for that matter, please always contact a local expert for the area so they know how to advise you.  All real estate is local down to the neighborhood still and so you need someone who knows what's what.  I stay on top of the cities I serve (such as Claremont, CA) as you can see and will be more than happy to help you with your real estate needs whether that be to answer any question you may have or give you a free home valuation. And ALWAYS go with a Realtor you can trust!

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor
License # 01767321
A Realtor you can Trust!
(626) 824-8927 Cell
LindaKMayer@live.com
Linda's Website

Why It is STILL a Sellers Market in Glendora, CA

Why It is STILL a Sellers Market in Glendora, CA

Okay, so the last statistics have proven to you that it is definitely a SELLERS MARKET.  But the trend is continuing and even growing here in Glendora, CA.  

Last week, there were a total of 11 new listings.  Last time there were 13 new listings and now we are down to 11.  When you compare this week's 11 to the 9 sold homes you can see that there aren't going to be many homes on the market for very long.  

What does this mean to you if you want to sell?  This means that your home can be sold in a short period of time and many times will sell for more than the asking price.  Naturally, this doesn't mean that you can price your home high and expect the same results.  But that's another whole blog.

There were 2 price changes, usually this means lowering of the asking price and 6 more have gone into back-up status.  Back-up status means that the home has an accepted offer but for some reason they are preparing in case the buyer backs out, or for some other reason like a short sale waiting on the bank's response.

When you figure in the 9 that went pending (into escrow), that's a whole lot more properties than came on the market this week.  

So, in recap, 9 pending, 9 sold, and 6 into back-up for a total of 24 homes off the market.  When you compare that to the measly 11 that came into the market, you can easily see why this is a great time to get top dollar for your home.

If you are thinking of selling, or buying for that matter, please always contact a local expert for the area so they know how to advise you.  All real estate is local down to the neighborhood still and so you need someone who knows what's what.  I stay on top of the cities I serve (such as Glendora, CA) as you can see and will be more than happy to help you with your real estate needs whether that be to answer any question you may have or give you a free home valuation. And ALWAYS go with a Realtor you can trust!

Serving the 210 Corridor - the cities of Monrovia, Duarte, Azusa, Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Pomona, Chino, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana - wherever the need arises.

Warmest Regards,
Linda K. Mayer, Realtor

License # 01767321

A Realtor you can Trust!

(626) 824-8927 Cell

LindaKMayer@live.com

Linda's Website