Mountain Views News          Saturday, November 13, 2010

13

HOMES AND PROPERTY

 MountainViews-News Saturday, November 13, 2010 


Always An Adventure in Finding Unique Home Remodel Bargains: Habitat’s ReStores

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the newest ReStores serving the 
San Gabriel Valley, Habitat for Humanity. Located in Azusa on 410 S. 
Irwindale, this is the second location for our local chapter of the wonderful 
charitable organization, known the world over for building simple homes 
in partnership with families in need.

The chapter’s Monrovia homes completed in 2010 took some problem 
properties prone to unsavory activities, razed them and built a complex 
of four homes. Habitat employed a cadre of volunteers and donors, sweat 
equity from the four selected families and the support of the city of Monrovia. 
Other San Gabriel Valley projects have been completed in Glendale, Pasadena, El Monte and Duarte, 
with a new project for “Brush with Kindness” minor remodels, planned for several Temple City and 
Azusa residences expected in the near future. 

ReStores manager, Bill Anderson, runs a tight ship of employees and volunteers at both the Azusa 
location and the original Pasadena location, who happily pick up donations of construction materials, 
new and used but serviceable, home maintenance items, appliances plus some furniture in their recently 
acquired panel truck with a lift, great for loading those heavy, awkward items.

The Habitat construction projects get first “dibs” on donations that come in to RESTORE, thereby 
reducing the materials costs for the homes they build or remodel. From what doesn’t get sequestered 
for Habitat construction, the basic construction materials, drywall, lumber, etc. goes the fastest. Items 
are regularly donated from builders, contractors, home remodelers and retailers with overstocks, and 
this is a great, green alternative to landfill fees for saleable items that can be re-used.

ReStore is a place for “finds” of all manner of tile, old and new doors and windows… Think… “Golly 
gee, that new window we ordered doesn’t actually fit!” Sprinkler and plumbing parts, ceiling fans, 
lighting fixtures, flooring of all kinds, bath vanities, cabinetry, counter tops, door and pulls and handles, 
locks, and more. It’s best to allow time to browse and be inspired.

On the afternoon I toured the Azusa facility with assistant manager Eric Bridges, ReStores staff was 
busy unloading television donations from a local Marriott hotel, after the property changed to flat 
screens. In many cases, as quickly as something is unloaded and priced, savvy buyers purchase and 
haul it out the front door. In another part of the clean and well organized store, Ellen DeGeneres 
had donated some items that were left over from audience giveaways at her show, including small 
household items and gadgets. 

I always make a habit of stopping at the ReStore when I’m headed to Costco in Azusa. It’s just down 
the road, using the same Irwindale freeway exit off the I-210. And if you’ve tired of Costco hot dogs 
and frozen yogurt, one of the few restaurants in Irwindale is worth a stop, too. Picasso’s Café at 6070 N 
Irwindale Ave #A (www.picassoscafe.com/ ), is located in the heart of an office park with only minor 
signage. It is one of those places that are hidden treasures. Everything is made from scratch there, 
including the baking. Get there early in the lunch hour if you want one of the awesome daily specials, 
or after 1 p.m. if you’re not fond of crowds of happy business diners. I find it’s always better to shop for 
that special “find” on a full stomach! 

Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are located at 410 South Irwindale Avenue in Azusa, 91702 (626-387-
6900) and at 770 North Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena, 91103 (626-792-3838). Both stores are open 
Monday-Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, to volunteer or donate to this 
not-for profit organization, visit their website at www.SGVhabitat.org. 


Chris Bertrand


CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC AND REAL ESTATE SUMMIT 

 The real estate community and the public are invited to attend the Fifth Annual Economic and Real 
Estate Summit scheduled for Thursday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Masonic 
Center, 50 W. Duarte Road in Arcadia. The forecast will be presented by Robert Kleinhenz, Ph.D., 
Deputy Chief Economist for the California Association of REALTORS. A continental breakfast will 
be served beginning at 9:30 a.m. 

 Dr. Kleinhenz will discuss what lies ahead for the future real estate market. Will there be more 
changes in the market? What will happen to all the foreclosed properties? You will receive pertinent 
information regarding the current and future outlook of residential real estate and trends that could 
change that outlook. Come and hear about this and much more regarding residential properties. 

 The event is sponsored by the Arcadia Association of REALTORS Education Committee and is free 
for Arcadia Association REALTOR and Affiliate Members. All city officials receive complimentary 
registration. Registration for members of the public is $10 paid by check or credit card. Pre-
registration is required. Call (626) 446-2115 to reserve your place. 


Federal foreclosure-prevention tactics 
have recently been expanded to encourage 
delinquent borrowers to avoid foreclosure 
by streamlining the short sale process. Cash 
incentives are also being offered to the 
homeowners, as well as to the lenders and 
the buyers.

 Perhaps the best feature of the new 
legislation requires the lenders to advise the 
sellers what their minimum acceptable price 
is before listing the home for sale. Then if the 
sellers secure an offer for the agreed price, 
the lender must accept it within 10 days.

 This speeds up the short sale process 
tremendously, since the lender is also 
required to consult with local real estate 
agents in order to determine a fair price. Of 
course, "fair" is a relative term here, because 
in a short sale, the bank is agreeing to sell the 
property for less than the total amount due 
on the mortgage.

 However, it is definitely in the lender's best 
interest to expedite a short sale instead of 
allowing the home to foreclose, because on 
average, the bank loses 50% on a foreclosure, 
but only 30% on a short sale.

 These new standardized procedures, 
called the Home Affordable Foreclosure 
Alternatives Program (HAFA), is a new 
option for homeowners who have been 
unsuccessful under existing programs. If 
you're facing default, I strongly urge you to 
contact a real estate agent today to discuss 
the alternatives.

Luther Tsinoglou has just been named the 
top producing sales agent in Dickson Podley 
Realtor's Sierra Madre office for 2009, making 
the top 10% at the company overall. Luther 
has been licensed and practicing real estate 
since 1992. He specializes in residential and 
income property in Southern California. 
Luther can be reached at his direct line (626) 
695-8650 or at luther@tsinoglou.com. 


You need to come in to 
see all that they have!
Websters is more than a Stationary 
store. it is a little of everything.Home office supplies.Children Products.Custom invitations.Gourmet Food.and lots more626-Websters is more than a Stationary store. 
It is a little of everything.
* Home Office supplies* Children Products* Custom invitations* Gourmet Food 
and lots more626-797-11352450 N Lake Ave 
Suite B 
Altadena“Webster’s Fine Stationers (WFS) is a comprehensive 
lifestyle boutique offering stylish and functional 
products for your home and office. Emphasis is 
placed on locally made and ecologically responsible 
merchandise.”