My favorite Glendale home, this week, is a move-in-ready 3 bedroom, 2 bath charmer in Sparr Heights- that picture perfect neighborhood below Montrose Shopping Village.

Getting that second bath is not easy in this part of town.  Many of the homes are 2 bedroom and 1 bath.  In addition, the kitchen and baths are remodeled, the yard is flat and grassy and the curb appeal just exudes love, warmth and caring.

I shot some great footage of the listing agent telling you all about the home- but I just haven’t had a chance to edit and I am afraid this home will sell this very minute!

Enjoy the pictures and let me know if you want to see this home- this is absolutely a “happy ever after” sort of place.

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I thought I would see the lei cutting ceremony at Trader Joe’s this morning. I figured it would be a quiet affair- a few friends from our neighborhood Facebook group, a city official or two- heck, maybe I’d get to say “hi” to John Drayman. It could happen.

I was completely unprepared for the excited throng of people gathered in front of the store by 7:45 AM. Don’t tell the Wells Fargo manager, but I snuck into their lot because the TJ lot was packed. Everyone was so happy and excited. No more schlepping up or down the hill for my Trader Joe’s Belgium Chocolate Pudding!

I chatted up Trader Joe employee Heather early this morning during my so-called run. She is very excited to be part of the opening crew. She lobbied for eight months to get on staff at this store and she says the whole crew is very excited to be serving Montrose.

After the obligatory speeches by Najarian and Weaver (nice job, guys) the manager said how excited they all were and then we all got to enter. Lovely fabric leis were draped around our necks while a steel drum and keyboard played reggae. People danced (reason enough to see my video. The old dude was awesome!) and chatted with neighbors and everyone was just darn happy.

Yes, the traffic both in and out was horrendous. But the staff was on top of it and check out lines moved swiftly and it seemed like drivers took the jam in stride. I predict that things will smooth out in a few weeks.

Enjoy the video!

Here is the latest update to recent sold homes in your neighborhood. The first question you are going to ask is, “Is that all?”

Regular readers will tell you that the number of sold homes has dropped dramatically over the last 12 months. Now, you might assume this is because it is so hard to get a mortgage- but that is only a small part of the problem. A larger problem is the lack of inventory- would be home sellers either can’t, or won’t, market their homes at today’s prices. On top of this, banks have held back on putting their foreclosed and distressed properties on the market.

This list might not tell you what you want to know- what is my house worth? If that is the case, click here for your Glendale Home Value. I am happy to give you a quick opinion just for grins!

Someone turned on the spigot with open houses for this weekend.  After several fairly ho-hum weekends we have 37 homes open in Glendale, La Crescenta and La Cañada.

As always, I am here to guide you in the best and loveliest homes to see this weekend.

In all honesty I really think the absolute is “Best in Show” 1446 Cleveland (disclosure- this is my own listing).  This charming English Style Home features high peaked roof, remodeled baths, lots of room in both house and yard, pool, lawn- it is a sweet house.  It is offered as a short sale for $599,000, and I already have a few offers.  It is likely that this will be your only chance to see it!

Another great choice is 3457 Downing in the heart of Sparr Heights.  Located moments from the lovely Montrose Shopping Village, this is a home with a high walk score and should be at the top of every buyer’s “To See” list.

If you are looking for a home with La Cañada schools, I think the best value is 5259 Gould.  This home is a blank canvas waiting your personal touch and the yard is huge.  It is listed for $799,000 but I think it will sell for more.

The weather should be particularly fine this Sunday- if you are out and about I would LOVE to see you at my open house at 1446 Cleveland!  I will be there both Saturday AND Sunday from 2 – 5 PM for your viewing pleasure.

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1010 Eilinita

and

1829 Calle Fortuna

100% of you prefer 1010 Eilinita!  Now- is that because it is the superior house or superior staging and photography?

Either way, I am shocked that 1010 Eilinita has not sold. Top schools, a darling neighborhood and a wicked cool house.

I know… YOU should buy it!  Call me today and we’ll arrange a showing

So to tide you over until my next valuable morsel of information I thought we could play a little game.

Let’s take two Glendale listings.  Similar price, similar sized house,but very different styles!  I want you to look at the pictures, description and the statistics and the take the survey.  Which Glendale home do you prefer?

Ok, ready?  Here is your first home.  1010 Eilinita is located off Canada Blvd off Shirley Jean. It belongs to the Fremont/Rosemont/CVHS  group of schools. The shingled exterior evokes the ease of Cape Cod living and the bright interior seems easy for entertaining and simple living.  This little neighborhood has a community pool open to the residents on a membership basis.  (Be sure to scroll down for the next home)

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The second home is located in the rancho San Rafael neighborhood, above Glendale Community College.  1829 Calle Fortuna was built in 1993.  It has high ceilings, laminate wood floors throughout and abundant light.  the HOA fees $115/mo pays for landscape maintenance throughout the development as well as lavish recreation center including pool, tennis, BBQ and recreation room.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # W11135935 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Go ahead, admit it. You would really like to know what Joe, down the street, got for his home. After all, your home is way better and obviously worth more than his, right?

You are in luck. I believe that this website should cater to your information needs. A list of the recent sales in your neighborhood will always be available. Click on the top menu bar “Market Stats” for an up to date list of just what is happening in your neck of the woods.

But even a chick like me can see the sculptural beauty of these machines.

**swoon**

This year I was captivated by hood ornaments and manufacturer’s medallions.  They just seem to capture the optimism, freedom and the sheer bravado of that time.

Zekes Smokehouse
Carnivores, pay attention.  This is the place for you.  Top quality meats are slow smoked and served at the peak of perfection with a selection of sauces from different regions.  I am partial to the Carolina Sauce- sweet and a little vinegary.

If I could tolerate beer (I can’t.  It’s an Asian thing, I guess) I would go for a Shiner Bock Beer.  This is Lance Armstrong’s favorite.

2209 Honolulu Ave.
818-957-7045