It seems to me, anyone seeing those photos on-line is not going to be in a rush to purchase those homes.

Since more than 80% of home buyers are searching on-line before going out to look at homes, the photos your real estate agent posts on the MLS are of the highest importance in driving home buyer traffic to see your home.

Did you know that Moving Mountains Design provides big, beautiful, professional-quality photos of the homes we stage, for use in marketing the home on the MLS and print marketing? You can check out our photos in our home staging portfolio or in many of our blog posts. Whether your home requires vacant home staging or occupied home staging, when we stage a home, or provide a home staging consultation, we work doubly hard with  home owners to ensure that their home appears at its best, both online and in person. We want your home to sell faster and at the highest price!

Would you like to get an estimate for staging your home? Just click here: How much does home staging cost?

With 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms (the bedrooms have new carpet and the bathrooms have been completely redone with new tile, fixtures and cabinets) in 1,625 sq. ft., this home is an exceptional value. And check out the new kitchen, with new cabinets, appliances and granite counters:

Since the outside of the house is painted that nice mossy green, I decided to carry that color into the living room and dining room:

Yes, that’s a fireplace and new engineered wood floors.

The master bedroom is very spacious with his and hers closets:

One more shot, just because I really love these green chairs and the silk throw pillows I used:

Here’s some information about Janes Cottages for JanesVillage.net:

Janes Village is a neighborhood in Northwest Altadena, California, (Where is Janes Village?) designated in 2002 as an “Altadena Heritage Area” by Altadena Heritage. This designation was bestowed upon the area because of the unique architectural and historical character of the homes of this area which were largely designed and built by Elisha (E.P.) Janes between 1924 and 1926.

This home is located at 460 Alberta Street, Altadena. MLS# S683835 .  $385,000 for 4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms!

Moving Mountains Design works with real estate investors, home owners, real estate agents and asset managers to prepare their homes and property sale. We provide both occupied and vacant home staging services including furniture and accessory rental. If you are planning to sell your home or property and would like it sell fast and at a higher price, call Moving Mountains Design. We’d love to be a part of your team!

We are experienced working with investors, property managers, asset managers and banks. Call Michelle Minch today (626)385-8852 to learn how we can help you sell your listings faster and for a higher price. We know what makes homes sell!™

Here’s the information from the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors:

Starting January 1, 2013, it will be unlawful to smoke in any common area, patio, balcony, or inside a unit within any multi-family building (defined as two or more units.)

Effective January 1, 2012, property owners/managers must post No Smoking signs in the common areas of their building.

Also, effective January 1, 2012, all leases/rental agreements AND purchase agreements must contain a reference to the prohibition AND a copy of the ordinance.

What does this mean for you if you are a smoker? If you live in a condo, townhome or apartment complex in Pasadena, you cannot smoke in any common areas (for example, halls, meeting rooms or around the pool) on your balcony or patio, or within your condo, townhome or apartment.

If you are a Pasadena landlord, as of January 1, 2013, all leases and rental agreements must contain information about this no smoking law and you must include a copy of the ordinance.

If you are selling a home or are a real estate agent involved in a real estate sale in Pasadena you must include a reference to the no smoking ordinance in the purchase agreement as well as a copy of the ordinance.

Here’s a release from Laura Olhasso, Pasadena Government Affairs Director. 626.795.2455

Pasadena City Council Passes Ordinance Banning Smoking in Multi-Family Buildings
Earlier this week (July 11, 2011), the Pasadena City Council passed an ordinance which will ban smoking in all multi-family building (defined as two units or more). Smoking will be banned in all common areas and within the unit themselves, including balconies or patios.
The ban goes into effect immediately for apartment units which are newly constructed or which are being leased or rented for the first time.
It will be unlawful to smoke in ALL multi-family units (including condos and townhomes as well as apartments) effective Jan 1. 2013.
Property owners, managers, homeowners associations, etc. will be required to post signs noting the no smoking law but are not responsible for its enforcement. Enforcement of the ordinance will be through the city’s health department.
All lease agreements entered into after Jan. 1, 2012 will incorporate ordinance disclosure information. All purchase agreements after Jan 1. 2012 are to include a reference to the ordinance and a copy of it. PFAR will be working with city staff to develop disclosure forms and information.
Questions: Laura Olhasso, Government Affairs Director. 626.795.2455

And here’s a copy the the no smoking ordinance:

8.78.080 – Posting of signs.

A.  Every owner, operator, manager, or other persons having control of a structure where smoking is prohibited under this chapter shall conspicuously post in such buildings “No Smoking” signs with capital letters not less than one-inch in height on a contrasting background. The international “No Smoking” symbol (consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) may be used in lieu of the written “No Smoking” sign, or a sign approved by the city’s health officer.

B.  The “No Smoking” postings may be limited to first floor entrances and exits, lobbies, restrooms, and elevators.

(Ord. 6548 § 2 (part), 1993)

8.78.085 – Reduction of drifting tobacco smoke in multi-unit housing.

A.  The following words and phrases, whenever used in this section, shall have the following meanings:

1. “Common area” means every interior or exterior space of multi-unit housing that residents of more than one unit are entitled to enter or use, including, without limitation, halls and paths, lobbies and courtyards, elevators and stairs, community rooms and playgrounds, gym facilities and swimming pools, parking garages and parking lots, shared restrooms, shared laundry rooms, shared cooking areas, and shared eating areas.2. “Multi-unit housing” means residential property containing two or more dwelling units but does not include a hotel or motel that meets the requirements set forth in California Civil Code Section 1940(b)(2) or a mobile home park.3.  “New unit” means, for new construction, a unit that is issued a certificate of occupancy on and after July 1, 2011, or, for buildings already constructed, a unit that is leased or rented for residential use for the first time on and after July 1, 2011.

   4.  “Nonsmoking area” means any unit or common area of multi-unit housing in which smoking is prohibited by this section.

   5.  “Unit” means a personal dwelling space, even where lacking cooking facilities or private plumbing facilities, and includes any associated exclusive-use enclosed area or unenclosed area, such as, without limitation, a private balcony, porch, deck or patio. “Unit” includes without limitation: an apartment; a condominium; a townhouse; a room in a long-term health care facility, assisted living facility, or hospital; a room in a single room occupancy facility; and a room in a homeless shelter.

B.  Nonsmoking Areas in Multi-Unit Housing.

1. It is unlawful to smoke in all common areas of multi-unit housing.
2. It is unlawful to smoke in all new units of multi-unit housing.
3. It is unlawful to smoke in all multi-unit housing units on and after January 1, 2013.

C.  Disclosure of the Requirements of this Section.

1. Every lease or other rental agreement for the occupancy of a multi-unit housing unit entered into, renewed or continued month-to-month on and after January 1, 2012 shall contain a reference to this section and attach a copy of this section.
2. Every purchase agreement for the sale of a multi-unit housing unit entered into on or after January 1, 2012 shall contain a reference to this section and attach a copy of this section.

D.  Violations and Enforcement.

1. It is unlawful for any person to violate the provisions of this section.
2. Notwithstanding Section 8.78.110 or any other provision of this code, a violation of this section shall be punishable under the administrative citation procedures set forth in Chapters 1.25 and 1.26. The fine imposed for a particular violation shall be in the amount set forth in the administrative citation schedule established by resolution of the city council pursuant to Section 1.26.060.
3. The provisions of this section shall be enforced by the health officer of the city or an authorized designee in the environmental health division. An owner, operator, manager, landlord, homeowners’ association, or other person having control of a multi-unit housing unit shall post signs as required by Section 8.78.080; however, said persons may, but are not hereby required, to assist with enforcing the provisions of this section and shall not be deemed in violation of this section by failure to assist its enforcement.

Please note, the information contained in this post is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney or licensed real estate professional before acting on any information contained in this post.

If you are selling or listing a Pasadena home and need help getting rid of smoking odors read Home Stagers Tips: How To Remove Smoking Odors From Your Home

Photo credit: Nirbhao on Flickr

Yesterday we staged this very lovely Altadena California cottage. This home is located at the top of Lake Ave. across the street from the Angeles National Forest, a mecca for Los Angeles outdoor enthusiasts. With 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and a very large family room with sliding doors that lead out to a private backyard, this Altadena home has something for everyone.  The seller is willing to add closets to the family room so it can become a very generous bedroom, bringing the total bedrooms to 4. The porch, which stretches across the front of the house, would be perfect for a couple of Adirondack chairs, to sit in while sipping iced tea and admiring the mountain view.

When we are staging a home, we select our furniture and accessories to accentuate the most positive features of the home. In this home, we want to call attention to the new hardwood floors, new tile floors, the fireplace, granite counters in the kitchen and 2 bathrooms, in particular. I usually use light colored living room furniture, which photographs better (for those all important MLS photos we provide with every staging) and makes rooms feel lighter and brighter. We also use furniture that is commensurate with the value of the home. We make sure our home staging adds perceived value to the home.

For more information about this beautiful, very comfortable Altadena home, contact the listing agent, Lorinda Chou, ReMax (323)369-3898 MLS#11137727

If you are planning to sell your Altadena home or listing, call the real estate stagers at Moving Mountains Design Home Staging (626)441-8975. We are experts in staging real estate in the San Gabriel Valley, including Pasadena, Altadena, Arcadia, San Marino, South Pasadena, San Gabriel, Temple City and Rosemead. We stage vacant and occupied homes, supplying furniture, artwork, accessories, premium display bedding and towels, rugs and even baby grand pianos!