Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 23, 2013

13

HOMES & PROPERTY

 Mountain Views News Saturday, February 23, 2013 

One Of A Kind: Featuring unique homes and gardens and the people who create them Story by Chris Bertrand 

Coming Soon! 

One of Sierra Madre’s 
century “young” 
homes is soon 
coming to market 
in this, the year of 
its centennial! With 
the dramatic San 
Gabriel Mountains as 
a picturesque backdrop, this beautiful home was 
originally constructed in 1913, then extensively 
remodeled and substantially expanded in 1993. 

The resulting “merger” offers the quintessential 
hometown feel… complete with white picket 
fence and boulder detailing… in a modern home 
with today’s amenities. The current owners knew 
this was just the home for them when they viewed 
the stunning mountain views from the balcony off 
of the master suite.

The 1993 remodel expanded the home to 1808 
square feet with three bedrooms plus two baths, 
with the second floor addition. The main floor 
was also extensively updated at this time, as 
well, blending a century of tradition with new 
amenities. The home has been remodeled with the 
finest materials and is in pristine condition.

Matching bay windows flank the welcoming front 
door painted in a cheery red. A step inside allows 
one to take in most of the main floor, for an open 
airy feel.

The first floor ceilings soar over twelve feet, while 
crisp white-painted woodwork pays homage 
to tradition, providing a bright backdrop for 
furnishings. Granite counters in the kitchen and 
baths match the granite fireplace surround in the 
living room. 

Recessed lighting throughout provides modern 
lighting and plantation shutters provide both 
sunlight, privacy control and most importantly, 
substantial savings on year round utilities. 
The separate laundry room/mud room off the 
kitchen leads to the breezeway and out to the 
back yard. The delightful breezeway enjoys cooler 
temperatures during the hot weather months. 

Hand scraped hickory stain engineered wood 
flooring was recently installed, combining a 
both durable and appealing “foundation” for the 
main floor living spaces and the stairway. New 
carpeting was just installed in the master suite. 
New 13” porcelain, San Marcos Sicilian White tile 
bath floors were also just installed in both baths 
this year. 

The home’s 7524 square foot homesite, set high 
above the street, provides additional privacy, 
while creating a charming curb appeal. The white 
picket fence extends to the automatic gate for the 
driveway, creating additional outdoor living and 
entertaining space in the fenced front yard. It also 
leads to the finished, two car garage.

Out back, the private yard is very secluded, and 
offers nary a view of any neighbors. Newly fenced 
in 2012, it offers a generous lawn area, a vegetable 
garden, plus several citrus trees including 
tangerine, grapefruit and lime trees, for fresh fruit 
many months of the year. 

After a long day’s work, it’s easy to picture oneself 
relaxing in the front yard. Seat yourself in a couple 
of Adirondack chairs with a favorite beverage, 
chat with neighbors ambling by, and, of course, 
taking the time to smell the roses!

The seller shared a poignant moment. “This 
morning I woke up and looked out the window 
of my second story bedroom at the Angeles 
Mountains that are so beautiful this time of year. 
As I watched, a beautiful Red-tailed hawk soared 
into view and landed on top of a telephone pole 
behind the house. She appeared to be looking at 
me for a moment and then in the golden light 
of the early morning sun she fully displayed her 
wings as if to fly but instead she perched there 
in all her glory. As I yearned for my camera she 
slowly lifted off and circled once and flew away 
toward the mountains. Such is the essence of the 
special experience of everyday life in a community 
that might be the best kept secret in Los Angeles… 
Sierra Madre.”

The wonderful neighborhood always offers a 
pleasant shaded walk into downtown, full of 
unique shops and bistros, many with al fresco 
dining. Take a breath and take it all in…wonderful 
Sierra Madre!

383 W. Grand View in Sierra Madre is listed 
at $929,000, and offered by Eileen Benson of 
Coldwell Banker, Pasadena. It will be available 
for showings beginning March 16. For more 
information, contact the agent at 626-278-0187. 


A CENTURY OF CHARM WITH ALL 
THE MODERN AMENITIES! 

383 W. Grandview - Sierra Madre


CENTURY 21 LUDECKE 
AGENT HELPS CLIENTS WITH 
LESS-THAN-OPTIMAL CREDIT

Arcadia, CA.- New full time Realtor-Associate Stephanie 
Parker, is not a new comer to providing her clients with 
phenomenal customer service, and Mike Ludecke- broker-
owner of Century 21 Ludecke is happy to welcome her 
aboard! 

Stephanie’s expertise includes many aspects of the real 
estate dynamic including giving assistance to potential new 
home owners whose credit may be less-than-stellar find 
an affordable and desirable home to buy. Parker carefully 
guides her customers through the maze of contingencies, 
inspections and paperwork all the way to the successful 
close of escrow. “I just love the moment when I get to hand 
over the keys to a happy family’s new home” says Parker. 
“Making my client’s dreams come true is what I’m all about, and is so personally rewarding”, she 
adds. 

Parker lives in nearby Duarte and comes from a large and loving family. She is a 1996 graduate of 
the University of La Verne and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management. Amongst 
her hobbies, travel is number one and it has taken her throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and many 
countries in between. Stephanie has been in the real estate business for several years. Prior to her 
real estate career, she worked 28 ½ years as an AT&T Service Representative which helped hone and 
prepare her in meeting and exceeding the future customer service and detailed transaction needs of 
her many real estate clients. Call Stephanie Parker at (626) 833-9094 or E-mail: Stephanie.Parker@
Century21.com


LISTINGS LINGO

As if the language of real estate weren't confusing enough, the wave of bad lending practices 
and loan defaults of recent years have added more terms that have subtle but important shades 
of difference. When you prepare to speak with an agent about buying or selling, make sure you 
understand the lingo.

First, realize that the word "foreclosure" does not describe a property, but the legal process by 
which a homeowner loses their interest and the bank or lender assumes ownership. It's a legal 
term, not a property description.

If you're buying, you go to tour "foreclosures," per se. You're probably going to look at "Real 
Estate Owned" listings, or REOs. These are properties that the lender has taken back after the 
foreclosure process is complete. You may see these advertised as "bank owned."

Then there's another type of listing described as a "short sale." This may qualify as a "distressed" 
property, but it is not yet in the hands of the bank or lender. The homeowners and the lender 
have reached an agreement to sell the property for less than the owners owe on their mortgage.

The short sale is an attempt at compromise between the two parties, keeping the sellers out of 
foreclosure and credit history ruin, and keeping the lender out of the costly process of foreclosure 
and expensive business of property management.

 


CITY OF DUARTE AND ARCADIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 
TO HOST FREE SPRING HOME BUYERS FAIR, APRIL 13

Potential home buyers can get a leg up on the home buying process at the Spring Home Buyers 
Fair, Saturday, April 13, hosted by the City of Duarte and the Arcadia Association of Realtors®. The 
free community event will provide valuable information and opportunities to connect with industry 
professionals, including Realtors®, lenders, non-profit housing and other agencies. The free Home 
Buyers Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Duarte Community Center, 1600 Huntington 
Dr., Duarte.

Learning sessions throughout the day will provide attendees with what they need to know to be 
successful in today’s challenging home buying market. They can also learn about what the City of 
Duarte has to offer. Raffle prizes will be awarded at the event and a free lunch will be provided from 
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the Arcadia Association of Realtors® at (626) 446-2115 or visit www.
TheAAR.com and click “upcoming events”.

Representing local Realtors® in the San Gabriel Valley for 89 years, the Arcadia Association of Realtors® 
is one of the oldest trade organizations in California. The AAR is dedicated to the advancement of 
professionalism in real estate and is an advocate for private property rights. A.A.R. is headquartered 
in Arcadia.

TIPS FOR BUYING A 
HOME IN TODAY’S 
MARKET

(StatePoint) If you’re considering 
buying a home, some experts 
think you should get a move on 
it. Interest rates are at 65-year 
record lows and national home 
prices have finally hit bottom 
and are on the rise. Despite what 
you may be hearing, loans are 
available for those with good 
credit histories, stable income 
and sufficient savings.

But don’t jump right in unprepared. 
Whether you’re a seasoned 
buyer or a newbie, there 
are strategies that can help you 
throughout the home-buying 
process:

Stick to Your Budget

Determining how much “home 
you can afford” depends on 
several factors, including your 
annual gross income, credit 
history, current mortgage rates 
and the amount of your down 
payment. 

In today’s market, you can expect 
a down payment to generally 
be between 5 to 20 percent 
of the purchase price for a conventional 
mortgage. Lenders 
recommend that your mortgage 
payment (principal, interest, 
taxes and mortgage insurance) 
be less than 28 percent of your 
monthly gross income.

Before looking for a home, consider 
calling a Department of 
Housing and Urban Development-
approved housing counselor 
for free and confidential 
financial assistance.

Avoid Borrowing Pitfalls

Unscrupulous lenders can damage 
your credit and cause you financial 
hardship. Here are some 
ways to avoid becoming a victim:

• Say ‘no’ to easy money. Beware 
if someone claims that your 
“credit problems won’t affect the 
interest rate.” If a solicitation is 
really appealing, get it in writing 
and seek a second opinion.

• Talk to several lenders to find 
the best loan.

• Know if the loan offered to 
you charges a fee if you pay it off 
early. If it’s a requirement of the 
loan, ask about other products 
that don’t contain this type of 
penalty.

• Ensure documents are correct 
and complete. Beware of anyone 
offering to falsify your income 
information to qualify you for a 
loan. Never sign documents that 
have incorrect dates or blank 
fields.

• Ask for written estimates that 
include all points and fees. When 
you get to the closing table, if 
any fees or charges differ from 
what was previously disclosed, 
delay closing until all terms are 
understood.

• If you’re taking equity out of 
your property, only take the 
minimum. Equity typically 
builds slowly over time, so it’s 
important to try to preserve it.

• If you’re not sure, don’t sign! 
Get advice first from a reputable 
consumer credit counseling 
agency or housing counselor.

Know the Mortgage Process

Mortgages are serious long-term 
financial commitments. Selecting 
the right mortgage may 
make a big difference in your 
monthly payments and overall 
cost of your loan.

To determine the best term for 
your personal situation and 
one that aligns with your financial 
goals, talk with your lender 
or financial professional for 
guidance.

The prospect of making such a 
big investment can be intimidating, 
especially if you’re a first 
time homebuyer. Do your research, 
reach out to the professionals, 
stick to your budget and 
be sure you’re ready to take on 
the financial responsibilities of 
being a homeowner.