3695 Bandini Ave., Riverside

[ SOLD for $171,000 -- 3/21/2012 ]   Charming “Wood Streets” California Bungalow built in 1919 with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.  The hallway linen closet was modified into a stairway which now leads to two additional rooms in the attic (perfect for playroom, storage, additional bedrooms, or workout space).  The square footage is approximately 1100, not including the upstairs rooms.

This adorable home boasts hardwood floors, fireplace, wood molding, original built-ins, original drop-down windows in kitchen nook, original bathroom sink and cabinetry, and a breezy front porch to sit upon and sip a cool drink on a warm day.  The spacious pool-sized backyard is ripe with citrus trees, and last but not least a storm cellar which houses the furnace and hot water heater, in addition to lots of storage! 

Another sucessful short sale …. sold by ‘The Sister Team”!!!! 

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Happy Independence Day, America!

For the 12th year in a row, Tara and I have gathered a few friends to help us place an American flag in each neighbor’s yard (approximately 1,700) on the morning of our Nation’s Independence Day! 

Everyone meets in the driveway of my house at 6:30 a.m., picks up a bundle of American flags, and then we set off in separate cars to different areas of this amazing historical neighborhood, befittingly named “The Wood Streets”.  Believe it or not, this annual task is usually completed within two hours, depending on how many friends and family lend a hand.  Afterwards, Tara and I treat everyone to breakfast at a local restaurant and reflect on our annual ritual.

During our walk through the neighborhood, our encounters with neighbors are always unforgettable, sometimes amazing, and sometimes humorous, thereby reinforcing  how fortunate we are to be living in such a great country.  Some neighbors have kept each flag they’ve received from us over the past decade and proudly wave all of them as we pass.  Some neighbors proudly talk about their armed service history and thank us for being patriotic.  Some neighbors honk their cars with pride as they pass us walking down the street.   Some neighbors have written editorials in the local newspaper thanking us for displaying the flags each year. 

We anticipate continuing this tradition for many years to come, and look forward to meeting more neighbors on our travels!

On this festive day, please be safe, be smart, and be thankful for current and past service men and women who have fought for our independence!

Happy Independence Day!!!

April Glatzel

A Celebration to Die For…

Come join this multi-cultural event to benefit the restoration of the historic Riverside Evergreen Memorial Cemetery with a celebration that highlights the funerary traditions of many cultures featuring music, dancing, costumed characters, food, face painting, ghost hunters, and more!  Wear a costume and add to the fun for you and your whole family!

The festivities at the Evergreen Cemetery (corner of 14th and Pine Streets) begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2008 and end at 8:30 p.m.  Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family (tickets can be purchased at the gate). 

There will be a live ‘New Orleans jazz funeral procession’ by the Day St. Dixielanders.  In New Orleans, funerals are an occasion to celebrate life, and death is not seen as a loss but as a release from this life.  Jazz was born in New Orleans, so it’s only fitting that the music is used in a commemoration of life.  Jazz funerals are often held for musicians and members of social and pleasure clubs.  You don’t have to go to New Orleans to experience a jazz funeral — come to the Riverside Evergreen Cemetery!

Watch the Ballet Folklorico de Riverside celebrate with Aztec dances, have your photo taken in a vintage coffin, enjoy having your face painted by Oasis Arts (former Disneyland face painters), listen to old English Dance Macabre, delight in the Hearse club collection and ghost tours by Full Tech Paranormal, and finally, feast on refreshments by Phood on Main (hip and creative food so delicious that it dances in your mouth).

Come join us for an evening of fun to benefit a great cause – the restoration of the historic Riverside Evergreen Memorial Cemetery!

4171 Homewood Ct., Riverside

 

[ SOLD  for $221,000 -- 8/17/2011 ]  “Wood Streets” California Bungalow built in 1912 by J. H. Oldendorf. There are 3 standard bedrooms in addition to another large room (sans closet) that is currently used as an office, but could be used as a 4th bedroom! Total living square footage is 1432 sq ft. The bathroom is exceedingly charming, and wait til you see the magnificent formal dining room, complete with built-in hutch with leaded-glass doors, wood beamed ceiling, chunky window molding, and plate rails.

Then feast your eyes upon the turn-of-the-century clinker brick wood-burning fireplace! Original hardwood floors, central air/heat, some original push-button light switches, updated kitchen with smooth Corian countertops, unique backsplash, newer vinyl floor that looks like real wood, antique gas stove with griddle and walk-in pantry! Enclosed laundry porch with utility sink, and back yard that is completely surrounded by a privacy block wall. Your raised bed gardens await!

This home is a standard sale — no bank to deal with.
All offers will be looked at and responded to immediately.

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4174 Ramona Dr., Riverside

[ SOLD for $274,500 -- 8/12/2011 ]   Two on a lot!  This Wood Streets home, and guest apartment, were built in 1938 by the current owner’s grandfather!  This home has been in the same family for SEVENTY-THREE (73) years!  One of the nicest cul-de-sac streets in the historic Wood Streets neighborhood, with long-time residents, beautiful neighboring homes, and a front-row seat to enjoy the Mt. Rubidoux fireworks every 4th of July!  This is a great investment property — positive cash flow!!!

The main house is approximately 1500 square feet, with two large bedrooms, and two bathrooms.  Hardwood floors grace the living room and formal dining room.  The kitchen was updated in the 1980′s and boasts a large walk-in pantry, dishwasher and nook area.  Central air/heat unit only a few years old.  The exterior was painted only two years ago.  The pool-sized back yard spreads out behind the apartment, and there’s also an old-fashioned brick barbecue.

The apartment house is permitted, has approximately 500 square feet living space, including a kitchen and bedroom.  This unit sits atop a 2-car garage; there is also a separate 2-car garage, making that FOUR garages total!  Those with vintage cars or toys would appreciate the garage space!

This home is a standard sale.  No banks to deal with.

 

       

3732 Ramona Dr., Riverside

[ SOLD for $235,000 -- 4/22/2011 ]   This historical California Bungalow was built in 1917 and has been in the same family for over 50 years!  A ‘standard’ sale, this 3 bedroom (plus upstairs bonus room), 2 bathroom home has been well-maintained all these years, and is “clean as a whistle”.  From the classic curb appeal with large front porch to the pool-sized backyard, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with this home!

In addition to the old-world charm, you’ll enjoy the approximate 1500 square feet of living space, the 2-year-old central air/heat system, hardwood floors under freshly cleaned carpet, gas log fireplace, indoor laundry room, and sparkling clean original double-hung windows, some with multiple upper lights.  The large formal dining room wouldn’t be complete without the original built-in hutch, along with a window seat, perfect for storing your table leaf, blankets, linens, decorations, etc.

The serene pool-sized backyard (lot size 7840 sq ft) is bursting with citrus trees (lemon, navel orange, Valencia orange and grapefruit) along with a covered patio, 2-car detached garage and an RV access gate off the alley.  You will also be able to view the annual Mt. Rubidoux fireworks from the front porch!

This home has also been designated a City of Riverside “Structure of Merit“, which means this home “materially benefits the historic, architectural or aesthetic character of the neighborhood”.

This home is a STANDARD sale (not a short sale, not a bank repo).

5658 Brockton Ave., Riverside

[ SOLD for $205,000 -- 2/25/2011 ] This Wood Streets cottage has 3 bedrooms (bonus room being used as master bedroom) and one bathroom, and home is almost 1400 square feet!  The original hardwood floors throughout have been recently refinished.  The kitchen is original (historic enthusiasts rejoice!) with tile countertops, lots of cabinetry, a brand new gas stove, indoor laundry, and a cute little corner nook for a bistro set to enjoy casual meals. In addition, there’s a formal dining room for larger gatherings.  The bathroom has subway tub tile and a pedestal sink, while the bedrooms have ample closet space and those sparkling hardwood floors!

The exterior was recently painted, and brand new shutters were custom made just for this house!  The front yard has been recently landscaped.  Backyard is spacious enough for a pool, yet currently cross-fenced with rose garden, vegetable garden, fenced dog run, mature shade tree, and a patio!  There is a detached 2-car garage with fenced RV (or big toy) enclosure too!

This is a regular (standard) sale — not a short sale, not a foreclosure!!!  No banks to deal with!  Immediate response from seller!

3471 Redwood Dr., Riverside

[ SOLD for $495,000 ]   Designed in 1910 by renowned architect Lester S. Moore, this 2-story Craftsman at 3471 Redwood Drive is among the houses that lend prestige and cache to “Bankers Row” in the Mt. Rubidoux Historic District in beautiful downtown Riverside!  This former home of The Honorable Justice John Gabbert (one of the founders of the UCR campus) has been designated by the City of Riverside as Historical Structure of Merit No. 359.

On over half an acre, this masterpiece couples classic 1910 craftsmanship with present-day creature comforts.  An open front porch provides a venue to enjoy the afternoon breezes and also frames the original beveled glass front door.  The foyer is most welcoming and illustrates the quality and scale to be found throughout the home.

Many of the original details remain, including the boxed crown moulding and baseboards, brass doorknobs, double-hung windows, quarter-sawn oak floors, romantic gas and wood-burning fireplace, and wood casement windows.  Yet the inner workings of the home have been completely re-done, such as 2-yr-old downstairs HVAC unit, added electrical sub panel, copper plumbing, refurbished second story floors, and a remodeled 330 sq ft eat-in chef’s kitchen with all new electrical.

The entrance to the spacious formal living room, which is perfect for entertaining, is framed with typical craftsman-style wood tapered square columns and half walls.  For more casual nights in, you can relax in the downstairs den (or 5th bedroom) complete with a former sleeping porch currently used as a home office.  A most elegant formal dining room can accommodate a rather sizeable gathering and is appointed with a built-in China hutch, boxed crown moulding and plate rails.

An elaborate wooden staircase ascends to the spacious second floor with refurbished Douglas Fir wood floors, a larger-than-life 8-foot tall staircase landing window, two bathrooms, four spacious bedrooms (one with French doors leading to a large balcony), a former sleeping porch, and a master bedroom with window seat and expansive views of downtown Riverside.

Additional features include:

• early century Quizel light fixtures in dining, entry and den worth over $11,000
• complete interior paint and plaster ceilings and walls throughout
• complete exterior paint and re-plaster in 2006
• two separate central air/heat units (one upstairs and one down) with the downstairs unit having been installed in 2008
• new water softener
• full copper plumbing throughout the house
• kitchen was gutted down to the studs, and now boasts custom cabinets, self-closing drawers, 36″ Viking range, tile floor, granite counter tops, and a large preparation island with 2nd sink.
• added electrical sub panel in basement
• large walk-in basement with laundry facilities — this fantastic space could be utilized as a sports room, workout room, wine cellar, etc.
• new 200 amp electric meter
• new gas meter
• 50-year ceramic composite roof approx 10 yr. old
• new front yard sprinkler system
• new front yard flower beds with electric outlets
• new front yard landscape lighting
• city supply main sewer line has been replaced
• all floors refurbished on second story
• 250 ft French drain from side yard to front of house along both sides of walkway

The gardens are as enchanting as the house itself, with terraced flower beds, 25+ rose bushes (some English variety), numerous trees (1 elm, 4 liquid amber, magnolia, peach, grapefruit, blood orange, 2 other orange, tangerine, lemon, crape myrtle), custom raised-bed veggie and herb garden with irrigation, lighted cabana with electrical outlets, in-ground pool/spa surrounded by block wall and wrought iron fencing.

A two-car garage with new automatic door openers, new 100 amp electrical service with 50 amp and 30 amp outlets, and a 150 sq ft workshop.  This home has also been qualified for the Mills Act Property Tax Reduction (taxes are only $2,240 per year).

This prestigious craftsman is nothing short of stunning and is certain to be of interest to those who would like to own one of Riverside’s finest!

Are you wondering why this is such an unbelievable value?  This home is a pre-foreclosure (short sale).  We have closed our fair share of short sales, and this transaction will be no exception.  All we need is an offer to submit to Bank of America — their new automated system closes short sales within 90 days!

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6094 Elenor Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ SOLD for $269,900 ]   Text book cute!  This historical 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single story cottage is approximately 1400 sq ft and was built in 1942 with Colonial Revival style detailing.  This traditional single family residence has been designated as a “Structure of Merit” by the City of Riverside, and has been carefully maintained over the years.

Some wonderful features include updated plumbing, central air/heat, original (and gorgeous) hardwood floors throughout, eat-in kitchen plus formal dining room, original tile in hallway bathroom, original bedroom closet shoe rack, romantic fireplace, crown moulding, indoor laundry, 30-year commercial-grade kitchen lineoleum, and $1,000 whisper-quiet dishwasher.

The recessed brick porch overlooks a large sycamore tree in the front yard.  The backyard is large enough to accommodate a pool if you wish, but for now please enjoy the garden shed, citrus trees and built-in BBQ.   A detached 2-car garage matches the style of the residence, and is accessed by a long Hollywood driveway.  The garage has been drywalled, and an extra room was added for storage, office, or workout room, etc.  The traditional garage door was replaced with French doors; however, a garage door could be easily re-installed.

You couldn’t want better neighbors, nor could you be in a better location which is walking distance to the Riverside Plaza, movie theatre, supermarkets and banks, and just blocks from RCC (Riverside Community College). 

This is a standard sale — this is not a foreclosure or short sale!  Sellers are able and willing to respond to all offers within 24 hours.  No waiting weeks [or months] for a bank’s answer!

Start thinking about how to spend your First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit … as long as you qualify, are under contract by April 30th, and close escrow by June 30th!!

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4326 Elmwood Court

[ SOLD for $269,900 ]  Talk about curb appeal — and affordabilityl!!!  The porch on
this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom “Wood Streets” bungalow is just calling your name!  With approx 1330 sq ft, this 1927 home boasts fresh interior paint, gleaming hardwood floors throughout, fireplace, large living room combined with formal dining area, central air and heat, spacious kitchen with dishwasher and gas stove, indoor laundry, and master bedroom suite with private bathroom.  Period wood casement windows add to the charm of this desirable “Wood Streets” neighborhood family home! 

Huge attic space could be converted to another bedroom/bathroom.  In addition, you’ll find a covered patio which is perfect for year-round entertaining and/or relaxing!  The large pool-sized backyard with meandering walkway leads you to a mature shade tree and shed.  Many beautiful and colorful rosebushes dot the landscape, and a long driveway with enough room for RV and/or boat parking as well.

This is a standard sale — this is not a foreclosure or short sale!  Sellers are able and willing to respond to all offers within 24 hours.  No waiting weeks [or months] for a bank’s answer!

One of the main reasons this historical neighborhood is so popular and desirable, is that real families live and interact here!  You’ll see neighbors walking their dogs, pushing baby strollers, riding bicycles, and organizing block parties!  There are also scheduled ‘Walks with the Mayor’, a farmers market, fundraising home tours, museums, and so much more!  Come be a part of this magical neighborhood!

Start packing … and thinking about how to spend your First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit … as long as you qualify, are under contract by April 30th, and close escrow by June 30th!!

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