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Answers (9)
Best Answer
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21455
Ok, I'll offer one more tip, but this one actually applies to anywhere in the United States. The U.S. Census website tracks demographics down to individual blocks, and you can download the information from the government website. Economic distribution data is available down to the "block group" level which tends to be about 6 blocks. Though 9 years out of date now; it still gives some indication of who lives in a given area and the population and housing density, and whether it is renters or owners. And the economic data will give some indication of ability to keep properties maintained. You may check both 1990 and 2000 to see changes. And since you may be waiting due to price drops, you might want to look at the 2010 Census data (in 2011) for more current conditions.
(You can also see relative property sizes looking at the Pasadena Zoning map; though not obvious, depth of properties changes substantually block to block).
(You can also see relative property sizes looking at the Pasadena Zoning map; though not obvious, depth of properties changes substantually block to block).
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21455
How is it that the answer that was selected for "best" has the least helpful votes?
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21455
By the way, why state you are in Pasadena if you are really in Irvine?
Is this PlarUSA?
Is this PlarUSA?
- Valorie Stover, "QUALITY REALTOR"
- Contributions:170
Pasadenan, Great answers! Everyone should do research in the area they want to live.
Muddslide, I'll say any realtor you talk to make sure they are listening to you, your needs and wants, not what they want you to buy!
Good luck!
Muddslide, I'll say any realtor you talk to make sure they are listening to you, your needs and wants, not what they want you to buy!
Good luck!
- Muddslide
- Contributions:17
Thank you Pasadenan! I will do those things!
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21455
By the way, "South Pasadena" is an entirely different city, with an entirely different public school district, just as is San Marino. (Every watched "Father of the Bride"? The houses and streets claimed to be in San Marino in the Movie are actually Pasadena properties and streets). Be weary of any realtor that tries to get you to buy in specific areas; do your own research, don't rely on the realtors. Let your realtor know your search range, criterion, and price range and assist you with the process and viewing of the properties; but research the neighborhoods and schools yourself. The realtors really usually don't know.
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21455
Ok, one more thing I'll mention...
walk the neighborhoods you are considering; both during the day, and evening. Consider traffic, noise, upkeep of properties, neighborhood activity, etc. A couple blocks really can make a huge difference. Practical boundaries of neighborhoods are much more obscure than one might think.
Though you may think speedhumps lower traffic and thus lower noise level, traffic going over speed humps makes much more noise than smooth flowing traffic.
walk the neighborhoods you are considering; both during the day, and evening. Consider traffic, noise, upkeep of properties, neighborhood activity, etc. A couple blocks really can make a huge difference. Practical boundaries of neighborhoods are much more obscure than one might think.
Though you may think speedhumps lower traffic and thus lower noise level, traffic going over speed humps makes much more noise than smooth flowing traffic.
- Pasadenan
- Contributions:21455
I'm actually surprised I found this thread; I normally don't read most of the Mortgage board thread listings; I tend to look more at "economic outlook", "news", "buying", and "mixed bag". I used to look at "home maintenance/repair" until the format change in December.
As for tips for first time buyers, (or any buyers for that matter), there were some good threads on Pasadena about a year ago; you might try to look them up with the "find" above.
But 3 things I will repeat here:
1) Go to the neighborhood connections office on Walnut at Hill and get information on any neighborhood you are considering. Find out about the associations and the neighborhood leaders, and talk to them about issues the neighborhood is concerned about. Study the neighborhood boundaries.
2) Go to the city zoning map website and look at the zoning. It really does make a difference how a property is zoned, and the proximity to other zoning. Look up the zoning to know what is allowed. Also look at historic landmark district boundaries (many realtors will tell you one thing, but the property is not in the area claimed...).
Zoning Map
Zoning Code
Historic Preservation
3) Watch pricing trends; the bubble is still deflating in many areas. Don't buy too soon!
As for tips for first time buyers, (or any buyers for that matter), there were some good threads on Pasadena about a year ago; you might try to look them up with the "find" above.
But 3 things I will repeat here:
1) Go to the neighborhood connections office on Walnut at Hill and get information on any neighborhood you are considering. Find out about the associations and the neighborhood leaders, and talk to them about issues the neighborhood is concerned about. Study the neighborhood boundaries.
2) Go to the city zoning map website and look at the zoning. It really does make a difference how a property is zoned, and the proximity to other zoning. Look up the zoning to know what is allowed. Also look at historic landmark district boundaries (many realtors will tell you one thing, but the property is not in the area claimed...).
Zoning Map
Zoning Code
Historic Preservation
3) Watch pricing trends; the bubble is still deflating in many areas. Don't buy too soon!
- Mayra Alvidrez, "Mayra A Alvidrez"
- Contributions:65
if you are planning in moving to this city you should consider the area of south pasadena this city is ca most desirable places to live with historical craftsman styles, Look for a active local Realtor in the area that can give you a completed detail about where and where not to buy the house the schools
Hey Pasadenan!!
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