LA Digs - Northeast LA Real Estate Blog

How do I get the lowest interest possible? This is one of the first questions a buyer asks when starting their search for a new home. We decided to bring in an expert to give you the real deal on what determines the interest rate you get.  Scott Groves with Movement Mortgage is a local lender who does a lot of business in this neighborhood.  Take it away, Scott!

"So, did you wake up today excited to read about Greece's debt restructuring plan?  Did you immediately got to CNBC to check the current price of the German "Bund" (their version of our treasury bonds)?  Were you waiting by your computer at 6:30 a.m. for the stock market's opening bell to see how the redemption rate and cash-flow of money in-and-out of stocks and bonds was going to affect mortgage interest rates?

Guess what, neither did I!

However, these are just a few of the many things that affect rates on an hourly basis.  

We just sold this midcentury traditional home for $850,000!

Located at 1311 Linda Rosa, this home epitomizes the Southern California dream: sipping drinks on the deck with friends and family, watching the sun set behind the hills at the far edge of Eagle Rock and the tall buildings in downtown Glendale. The fun continues on the huge patio below big enough for a quick basketball game and/or major alfresco bbq party. All the necessities symbolizing the good life are in view: the Trader Joe's sign, the playground at Dahlia Heights Elementary School, and just out of sight is the new refueling stop down the hill at Found Coffee. As summer looms, the central air-conditioning and the breeze that cools off Eagle Rock every afternoon are especially appealing. Both bathrooms, the kitchen and floors have been recently updated. The master suite downstairs can be a private oasis or can double as a family room.

If you are thinking about making a move, give us a call to discuss today's real estate market.

It's cocktail time at this cool modern Eagle Rock home circa 1964!

A curving terrazzo border to the sunken living room wends its way past the panoramic view and under the unique suspended freestanding fireplace.

But the kitchen/dining/family room are all done with a more recent, contemporary style, providing the best of both eras.

With this Eagle Rock home, the upside in this sizzling market is almost limitless.

Here is a rare opportunity to own a million-dollar view property on a large 7,700 square foot lot with amazing potential to build your dream home.

Hip, cool and modern, this amazing 2011-built home features sunset views across the cityscape of nearby Glendale and on to the San Fernando Valley.

The 3-level floorplan is extremely open and spacious and includes 2 bedrooms and baths with a huge patio, a middle level with living, dining, and kitchen rooms all open to the view, and a top floor master suite with a balcony, and a central atrium with a firepit.

Don't miss the rooftop deck with the best view of all, ready for the party you will have to have when this home becomes yours!

We closed escrow on this special 1926 Spanish beauty located right here in Eagle Rock. A truly unique find with great bones just waiting to be rediscovered. Coved ceilings arch over the spacious living room along with a Batchelder-style tile fireplace hearth. The never-painted wood window frames, the stained glass accents, the gracious formal dining room, the original hardwood floors--totally gorgeous. Spacious, too, with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms in over 1800 square feet, including a 2-car garage, and a classic swimming pool nestled in the back.

We received 31 offers on this beautiful home and negotiated a final sales price 35% over the asking price. If you are thinking of making a move, give us a call to discuss today's real estate market!

Year after year, the city of Pasadena, CA retains a reputation for hosting neighborhoods are essentially recession proof when it comes to real estate. Homes for sale in Pasadena, CA are always in demand. As the value of homes in other neighborhoods close by rise and fall, Pasadena homes are known to hold their value in spite of dips in the market because of the great demand from homebuyers.

Hastings Ranch is a relatively new, suburban neighborhood located in the furthest northeast corner of Pasadena. Hastings Ranch is north of Sierra Madre Boulevard and is boarded by Michillinda Avenue to the east and Riviera Drive to the west.

 This neighborhood is picturesque with beautiful tree lined streets, children playing, and yards carefully decorated for every holiday.

Opportunity knocks at this 4-unit building of homes in Glassell Park with development potential.

The 1-bedroom units are fully rented and total over $4900/month income.

Each unit offers outdoor space, views, a spacious floor plan, and all in a style that appeals to today's tenant.

Renaissance Arts Academy is a charter school located in the heart of Eagle Rock in the historic Piller's Department Store building.  We just attended their annual End of Year show and were so impressed!

They performed a modern dance/recital/concert that used all their students who danced, played music, and I'm sure helped with the production, design, and backstage details. It lasted only about an hour, but it was electrifying and wonderful.

Once they closed the doors to the theatre, the performance commanded complete attention. Latecomers were only allowed in the back section, no cell phones or cameras flashed, the theatre sat spellbound by what happened onstage.

The basics are just the beginning in this Eagle Rock home - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a flat lot with a pool, a 4-zone HVAC system.

Think also about coffee on the balcony, cocktails by the pool, a cozy evening with friends on the back deck, or just lounging on the couch in the living room with beams and a high vaulted ceiling, the antique light fixtures, and a view of your xeriscape through the front window--just another fabulous day in Paradise.

This 1932 Mediterranean has it all: location, the amenities, and boundless character.

This home in Burbank keeps its charms and joys hidden from the street.

Come in and see new carpet in the bedrooms, updated baths, an en-suite master bedroom with 2 closets, and an open kitchen/dining area that is great for active cooks and entertainers.

Or, send the party out back where the kids can play in the yard while the adults cluster around the barbecue. When the rain dance works, dash under the covered patio for your al-fresco dining. 

Tucked away on a secluded hillside in Eagle Rock right next door to Pasadena homes is a fantastic contemporary-styled home that is a welcome surprise for today's buyer.

Looking for a sunset view? It's here. Wishing for a large flat yard that's lush and private? It's here too!

Need space? How about almost 2600 square feet for 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a family room with wet bar, and ample storage space in addition to the spacious closets. 

The most important tip for transitioning from renting to buying is to Be Prepared.

Do two things first:

1. Talk with a good lender about the loan process and what you can afford to buy. You might be surprised--either happily or unhappily. If your credit score or income aren't as good as they should be to qualify for the loan amount you need to purchase your dream home, you might be looking at a longer time saving and paying off bills than you thought. There are good lenders who can actually have your loan fully underwritten and approved before you identify the home you want to purchase. This makes you look like a much stronger buyer to the seller who may be considering several offers as well as yours. Because, of course, if you love that home, you can bet others will, too.

Dreams come true at this sweet 1913 Craftsman bungalow, a prime example of the charming Garvanza real estate market. 

Fulfill the dream of your very own character home with modern updates like the open kitchen with breakfast bar, the built-in shelves and French doors off the dining area, the custom-tiled main bath, the wood floors, and the welcome surprise of the additional space of the laundry area, master bedroom and bath.

Sweet romance blossoms at this lovely updated Eagle Rock home in a peaceful neighborhood.

Simplify your life and move right in to this home complete with everything you need to enjoy your summer and on!

You'll have a terraced back yard for your al fresco dining on summer nights, and a fireplace in the living room ready for those crisp winter mornings. 

Hill Drive, the most prestigious street of Eagle Rock homes, is paired with a special 1926 Spanish beauty with great bones to create a very special opportunity for just the right buyer.

Have you dreamed of owning your own single level character home in a great location? Do you wish you had a swimming pool? Do you have a great design sense and yearn to express it within the original Spanish style?

It's all here, waiting to be rediscovered and fixed up a bit.

Annandale is a neighborhood found in the southwest area of Pasadena, CA. Annandale is hillside, suburban community that is quiet and lined with old, beautiful trees. This area has a public library, fire station, private children’s center and park with approximately 700 homes. The neighborhood of Annandale is south of Colorado Boulevard and west of San Rafael Avenue.

Annandale has its own business district near Colorado Boulevard and Avenue 64. The San Rafael Park is also located near Annandale’s business district. The neighborhood consists of upper-middle class houses built sometime between 1920-1930.

Because Annandale is located on the border of Pasadena, the neighborhood has its own original feel. The numerous amounts of big trees in addition to the small lake at the district’s center give Annandale a distinct character.

Life is easy when you start (or continue!) your Eagle Rock real estate empire with this cozy bungalow located at 5064 Floristan.

Hungry? Just nip around the corner to Trader Joe's or any one of the nearby cafes and bistros. Drop off your cleaning, take a yoga class, get your hair done, shop for clothes and gifts, have a massage-- all without having to use your car. 

And home sweet home is fun and cute and easy to love with eco-friendly bamboo floors, a tidy front yard and a sweet and private backyard with a patio for your al fresco dinner parties--even a pomegranate tree for all those yummy drinks you can make.

In 1950, the California Ranch was the style of the day. Today, this 1950 Rancher is a great opportunity for buyers to jump into the Eagle Rock real estate market. 

With much of the original style intact, there are also nice modern upgrades like custom cabinets and Silestone counters in the kitchen, central air and heat, a leased solar system, and a brand new roof!

The current owners have also updated the kitchen and bathrooms, buffed and polished the floors, and maintained the house with love and care for the 15 years they've lived here.