What a Pasadena Evening!

What an evening out in Pasadena!  Started at the bar at Elements with our favorite "mixologist" John Paul.  He introduced me to my new favorite winter cocktail, the Little Italy.  Sidle up to the bar and ask him to make you one and he'll describe the tasty ingredients.  Had some delicious kimchee and shrimp tacos at the bar with friends before heading over to the Diversity Event at the Pasadena Playhouse.  Then inside to see the opening night of "Uptown/Downtown", a one-woman concert-style show starring Leslie Uggams.  Still belting her heart out!

If you've not been to the Playhouse yet, I encourage you to take in a performance at the recently re-opened theater.  The inside is beautiful and the Playhouse needs your support to remain a vibrant part of Pasadena and Los Angeles culture.  Plus, the folks there are fantastic.

Post-performance party and then off to the new bar, 1886, which is at The Raymond Restaurant in South Pasadena.  Although we learned last night from the owners, Rob and Leslie Levy, that half the Victorian building which houses the restaurant and bar is in Pasadena and the other half is in South Pasadena.  The bar is named after the year the house was built and was originally the caretaker's cottage for the Raymond Hotel.  The newly revamped bar is moody and groovy and the drinks were made with care.  When asked to come up with a champagne cocktail the bartender's eyes sparkled and she whipped up a delicious beverage adding rum (which just happens to be my friend's favorite, besides champagne that is!)  We stayed way too late, but the company and atmosphere were so festive we couldn't leave.

1886 bar at The Raymond

 The bar is open Tuesday through Sunday evening from 4:30 pm to 12:00 Midnight and from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Schools Issue

Ivanhoe Elementary School

I'm often asked by buyers about schools and home-buying and the age-old Los Angeles area conundrum.  Where to buy, what school, where can I buy and get a good school and still afford a home.  Price + Good School Scores = impossible?  Ah, maybe a handbook needs to be written about that subject!  Although things change so quickly that the handbook would be out of date faster than you can say, "now I need to think about Middle School."

So this is the first in a series of informational postings on schools in LA County and hopefully this will help my clients, and you, who may be navigating this very issue.

Two good websites to use to find schools and to get test scores and parent ratings are: www.schoolfinder.com  and www.greatschools.com.   Some parents are also using Yelp.

To find out about LA County school boundary changes start here: http://www.laschools.org/employee/mpd/boundary-changes/  to find out what school an address is in try here: http://search.lausd.k12.ca.us/cgi-bin/fccgi.exe?w3exec=schfinder0

For greatschools.com link to the top-rated LA schools click here: http://www.greatschools.org/california/los-angeles/.

More postings coming up on schools in South Pasadena, Pasadena, Glendale and more - so stay tuned!
















  

New Listing for Sale in Pasadena at The Olive Tree

I'm happy to announce my newest listing for sale at the Olive Tree complex in the South Lake Shopping district of Pasadena.

The Olive Tree

This Olive Tree Complex condo offers the perfect marriage of location, stylish upgrades and amenities.  From the moment you enter the sun-filled 2 bed/2 bath top floor unit with its mix of hardwood and Italian tile floors and see the sunroom through the French doors just waiting for your office and reading chair, you will be smitten.  From the kitchen, which features Silestone counters and stainless appliances, new cabinets and fixtures; the bathrooms with granite counters, new vanities and sinks; to the plantation shutters, smooth ceilings, and new light fixtures, no detail has been spared. This sought-after complex offers a relaxing pool and spa area, rec room with pool table, sofas and mini-kitchen, landscaped courtyard with communal BBQ, two gated entrances, and is conveniently located across the street from the shops and restaurants of the South Lake shopping district and close to Cal Tech.  All that's missing is you!

 





Check out the groovy video below:





Contact me with any questions or for a viewing at jpstanton@deasypenner.com.  Thanks!

Sunroom

Second Bath

Pasadena Fire Department #39

 If I could I'd write an ode to the San Rafael Fire Department Station #39.  They're out walking every morning and have a friendly word or wave.  The fire truck is always blindingly shiny and clean.  If they ever do a car wash fundraiser, I'm there! Those guys know a thing or two about how to get a vehicle spotless. The building is mid-century cool and, yes, it does have a pole they can slide down.  Just one more reason to love the San Rafael Hills.

If you live close by, keep an eye out for their Holiday Toy Drive and help them out with that.  Oh, and wave when you go by, they'll wave back.

Refinancing in Today's Market

Today's Sunday LATimes article about refinancing now and why it might be a good idea.  If you're considering refinancing your home given the current low interest rates, check out the article here: Refinancing Now vs. Waiting

Just a quick post today as the Glamour Gowns Committee is holding their annual Fundraiser today and there's a lot to do.  I am thrilled to report that the event is officially sold out!  The foster girls next Spring are going to be able to get a full-stop Gown Giveaway event.  Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and donated funds.  You rock!

Four Sisters and their Quirky Cool Cottages in Montecito

There was a great article in the LA Times Home section today about the four Moody sisters, born near the turn of the century, who designed, built, salvaged pieces and parts, decorated, financed and sold these charming homes in and around Montecito.  It made me want to shout, "you go girls!" Talk about having vision and going for it.

See the article here:  Moody Cottages in Montecito and check out the website for photos of these great houses here:  www.moodycottages.com.

They just don't make them like they used to!

deasy penner & partners

Exciting news and hot off the press.  I've joined deasy/penner & partners and couldn't be more thrilled!  Well, I suppose if I won the Mega Millions I would be a bit more excited, but as far as real estate career goals, this one is up there at the top.  They are an amazing company and have welcomed me like a long-lost sibling.  And, instead of blathering on and on about it, I'm posting my intro letter for all to see.
Drop me a note if you wish to say howdy or good luck or good going or some other kindly words.

November 11, 2010

Dear World:

I am excited to announce that I have departed Sotheby’s International Realty to become a partner at deasy/penner&partners.  With our growing roster of sales agents, we bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Southern California real estate market to our clients.  Our mission is simple: to celebrate the notion of Home as art.  Our reach extends from Malibu to Palm Springs and incorporates diverse and stimulating design and architectural styles.

deasy/penner&partners breathes fresh energy into the business.  Unlike other brokerage firms—we act as one, cohesive, integrated entity with two goals: to provide the greatest service possible and always attempt to exceed your expectations.  In addition, our innovative integrated marketing platform for listings transcends our competition and positions each property uniquely—reaching the appropriate potential buyer.

At deasy/penner&partners, we understand that the ideal house isn’t just about size, amenities and location.  Although more difficult to quantify, design is the “secret ingredient” that has come to weigh most heavily on house-buying decisions. 

We encourage you to contact us to see how we can capture your sense of home as art.

Please feel free to telephone me anytime at 323.351.3278 or jpstanton@deasypenner.com .  Please learn a bit more about the firm at: www.homeasart.com.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Parker-Stanton

Partner

My Favorite New Thing

Stylish, hip, eco-friendly, choice of groovy colors, filtered water on the go without wasting plastic?  Fill it up anywhere, recycle the filter, BPA free, reusable, recyclable, made in the US? Saves money too?  Sold.  Can I sing the praises any more than I already do?  And endure the stares of people as I drink from my Water Bobble and explain to them how completely cool it is?  Totally.  You need one too.  Here's where to get one and stop your dependence on water bottled in plastic.  Water Bobble 

Oh, did I mention it was designed by Karim Rashid.  Even better.

Wish I'd invented it! And, no, they're not paying me.