You may remember Dave Knight, but for now I'm not going to tell you from where.When I began the irregular but not indifferent Home Shopping series here on Pasadena Daily Photo, I contacted a few local real estate agents to tell them what I was doing. Because I'm not an expert in the field I asked if they'd occasionally check in and add their input. The fabulous Irina Netchaev contributed excellent info on Mediterranean Altadena, for example, enhancing that post with her knowledge.
It's obvious I need assistance. There's a lot I don' t know about real estate. Did you know these people regularly go on caravans? They're not trekking across the desert on camels to visit mysterious oases. No, they're trekking across Pasadena in air-conditioned vehicles to view glorious properties, eat lovely snacks and schmooze with their kind.
I accompanied Dave Knight on a caravan last week. We visited three Pasadena properties, each listed at well over $1 million. I took just a few pictures so as not to be obtrusive. I learned some things. I did not indulge in snacks.
When I took this picture, Dave was standing on the back porch of a glamorous home not too far from the Gamble House. I was on the basketball court.
Part 2 tomorrow.
23 comments:
You're not the only one who didn't know much about real estate in recent years.
Holy P, I'm feeling hungry for some pie about this hour!
Did Dave Knight colour co-ordinate his outfit especially for you, Petrea? That's a lovely shot.
I was going to ask about the color coordination, as well!
After buying and selling houses in this crazy market, I know more about real estate now than I ever wanted to know. But nobody ever let me tag along on a caravan...
interesting post Petrea. I'm catching up on your blog & it's hard not to want to keep reading. I learn so much here! Thanks.
I like the outdoor furniture. I love outdoor spaces that look like rooms. They seem so Noel Coward. I imagine they are all wit and cocktails.
Cafe, too smart for the rest of us! Mum's the word.
Howdy, Shell Sherree! Seen Eric yet? I hadn't noticed the color coordination but it worked out, didn't it?
No kidding, Laurie. Nothing teaches you about real estate like buying a house. We got obsessed with it for a while.
Hello, Lily Hy. This CDPB world grows fast, doesn't it? It's impossible to keep up with everyone. I'm glad to see you.
Pish tosh, Margaret, and hey ho. Isn't that what they say? It makes me want to fix up my back yard a bit. Quite a bit, actually.
I know why you didn't take me along. The snacks.
Have you seen the videos by Jim the Realtor? He's an absolutely hoot, but it's from down in San diego.
The homes around the Gamble House are real treasures. David and Judy Brown live in one of them, and it's a real dream of a Craftsman.
Nothing I love better than nosing around houses, but I think it's even better when you eat the snacks.
The stager loses a point for those sorry-looking hydrangeas in the plastic pots. Plastic is so not Noel Coward.
I love the Brown house - Greene & Greene filled with iconic mid-century furniture. I'm actually planning a party there for the YWCA.
Yes, Petrea, very serendipitous re: the colours. And grey's so IN this season! I think Eric's still in New Zealand but once he's here, I think I'll be a very lucky girl indeed if I make it onto his crammed dance card. I just hope he remembers, only "mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun."
Hiker, I only saw one of his videos. It might not have been one of his best.
Ann, I haven't met David and Judy. Perhaps that explains why they haven't invited me over.
Better staging tomorrow, Susan. Are you referring to the same Browns Ann mentioned? They're quite popular! Everyone knows them but me.
Shell Sheree: THAT is the definitive performance!
Hey, that's my very good friend's house! We wish we could buy it ourselves. We live in the same neighborhood, and we've spent a lot of happy times in that house. Whoever gets it will be lucky. It has an amazing back yard and oak tree and Arroyo view.
And we at Prospect Park Books were fortunate to get to photograph the Brown house, also in my 'hood, for our book At Home Pasadena. (David Brown also wrote the book's foreword.) A wonderful house filled with wonderful people.
CDB, I wunder why your very good friends want 2 leave this old house?
P: eye 2nd your description of Irina as Fab!!
Colleen, tune in tomorrow. I didn't take photos inside, but there's a link to the home's website.
Cafe, Dave also knows Irina and thinks she's fab, too. Who doesn't? So predictable.
About the Browns: David Brown was president of Art Center for years and is now ED of Descanso Gardens. His wife, Judy, is a community activist and non-profit consultant and on the board of the YWCA with me.
The Browns' ears are burning.
The Browns are very generous with their time and their home. I sat on the Mothers' Club Family Learning Center board with Judy (we're both former board presidents) and David is the executive director of Descanso Gardens.
They've been fun to socialize with and have also opened their lovely home for non-profit events and meetings. Nothing like a poolside meeting with a cocktail to perk you right up!
I am a Nosey Nell and I would love to get to snoop, I mean tour these lovely homes. I could do it all day long. I should be a realtor, but I don't understand all that money stuff and I don't want to So what kind of snacks exactly??
V
I love seeing the inside of others' homes, just to see what others do as far as decorating and colors and such, so this would have been fun! Hope you had a great time (but why no snacks?)
Frankly, the Browns sound like the kind of wealthy people I hear others say they want to be: "As soon as I make your money, I'm going to give to charity and do good." A lot of people say they're going to, but few actually do.
Okay, snacks: charming finger sandwiches, huge strawberries and other lovely fruits arranged on big plates. Crackers and cheese. That kind of stuff. And the reason I didn't eat it was because...oh, I don't know, I wasn't a buyer or a seller, I was lucky to be along for the ride and felt like I shouldn't. Isn't that crazy? I wanted a chocolate-dipped strawberry more than anything!
Hehe, I admire your sacrifice in not eating undeserved snacks.
Nice new meaning for caravan.
OMG... love the pic of Dave!
Petrea, what do I need to do to get a shot like that? Scratch that... hate cameras. But, boy, what a cool photo. He should use it in his marketing efforts!
BTW, thanks for the kind words to all of you.
Always behind on these posts... not enough hours in the day. :-(
Haha, Dina!
Anytime, Irina (the photo and the kind words).
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