It was all about the schools -- 2023 Karen in Burbank just closed

Do people move for good schools? Yup. Does moving to a particular school district guarantee admission in that school?  Nope.  My clients, the Guptas, bought a house nine years ago in Burbank.  That home is in a good school area, but they wanted an even better school area for their growing family. So they looked in the Jefferson School area within Burbank and found 2023 Karen St.  They had made offers on other properties before that hadn't been accepted, so we were thrilled when we were told the sellers had picked our offer.  It was the right size -- five bedrooms -- and was just up the street from the school.

However, we were saddened to learn that Jefferson School was full and not taking any other new students.  Yes, that can happen in public schools as well as charters and private schools.  The Gupta children were wait-listed with no promises given of ever getting into Jefferson.  The family decided to roll the dice and purchase the house anyway.  But by some sort of magic (that's the only thing we can figure), they received a call last week telling them that there was room for the kids in the school! Whew! I am sure the family will be really happy in the new home and at the new school.

Coming next week! A home for sale RIGHT ACROSS the street from Burbank's award winning Roosevelt Elementary school

I published this a few weeks ago, but it's worth publishing again as the 3+2 home will be on the market next week.

Looking for a fabulous public elementary school in a wonderful location? Roosevelt Elementary School in Burbank may fit the bill.  It has high APIs and GreatSchools.org score of 8. It's very close to the newest, coolest attractions of Burbank's Magnolia Park, including restaurants, vintage shops, services, etc.  And best of all, I will soon have an adorable 3+2 for sale right across the street. Private message me for details. If you've dreamed for decent public schools for your children in a cool affordable neighborhood, this might be your chance to make that dream come true.

Get your kid into Burbank's award-winning Roosevelt Elementary School

Looking for a fabulous public elementary school in a wonderful location? Roosevelt Elementary School in Burbank may fit the bill.  It has high APIs and GreatSchools.org score of 8. It's very close to the newest, coolest attractions of Burbank's Magnolia Park, including restaurants, vintage shops, services, etc.  And best of all, I will soon have an adorable 3+2 for sale right across the street. Private message me for details. If you've dreamed for decent public schools for your children in a cool affordable neighborhood, this might be your chance to make that dream come true.

For Burbank parents re Jefferson Elementary

Here's from friend and former client Barbara Wise: "Jefferson Elementary has a new principal with great ideas. She worked with our computer specialist to put a long-awaited Amazon.com link on the school website - if you use the link, a portion of your purchase is donated to the school Booster Association. I love the school and am excited to see how things will evolve with new leadership. Great selling point for this area."

If you already shop at Amazon.com, a portion of your purchases will automatically go to Jefferson Elementary Booster Association if you simply paste this link into your browser and access www.amazon.com through this link:

http://www.amazon.com/?tag=jeffersonburbank-20

Thanks, Barbara! Barbara has twins in second grade at Jefferson and had an older son there as well.

Teacher of the Year: Rebecca Mieliwocki from Burbank

Check this UPI story -- Obama's teacher of the year is our very own Rebecca Mieliwocki from Luther Middle School.  I keep telling you folks that the schools in Burbank are great...

My new listing at 1106 N. Cordova, Burbank - gorgeous 2+1 for $459,000

Here's my gorgeous new listing at 1106 N. Cordova Street, right smack in the heart of Burbank's desirable Magnolia Park neighborhood. This home was professionally renovated and features a large kitchen with dining area, lots of cabinets and plenty of counter space.  Beautiful glass block tile adds a contemporary flavor.  The remodeled bathroom features subway tile, brushed nickel finishes, and all new fixtures.  A fireplace in the living room, gorgeous hardwood floors, and crown molding all add a warm feel.  Central A/C and heating were just installed, as were all the windows, the sliding door and all light fixtures.  Relax on the covered porch in the huge backyard yard – there's plenty of room for a pool or expansion. Both the exterior and interior have been freshly painted, and new landscaping has been added in front. This home is in a location that can’t be beat.  Very close to Porto’s, all the shops on Magnolia Boulevard, and the Burbank bike path.  Short distance to studios. Award-winning Roosevelt School nearby.  Don't miss out on this rare move-in ready gem. And it's a regular sale, not a short sale or REO!

Our first public open house will be on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 5.  There will be broker caravans on Thursday, June 2, from 9:30 to 12 and Friday, June 3, from 11:30 to 1:30.  Please visit my website at www.judygraff.com for more info and pictures!

New API test scores are out for Burbank

New API school test scores are out for Burbank. The already high-scoring district is now over 800 for every school except for Washington Elementary. This is obviously outstanding. By way of comparison, in our local area, you'd have to go to La Canada to find another school district with so many schools on all three levels with such high scores.

2845 N. Lincoln has closed over asking; maybe 30 times is the charm

My listing at 2845 N. Lincoln in Burbank closed yesterday. This modest 3+1 was marketed as a light fixer and is in the excellent Jefferson elementary school district. Yes, it closed over full price -- it listed at $489,000 and sold for $520,000!

We listed it at $489,000 not because we wanted a bidding war but because that is what the comparable sales indicated the home would likely sell for. The sellers and I were very surprised to receive six offers immediately, with all but 2 offering over full price. Three of the four offers were for conventional loans with 20% down, too.

Were we worried about the appraisal? Oh yes -- but the appraisal came in at $520,000. Was I worried because Bank of America was doing the loan? Yes, but they actually managed to fund it more or less on time without too many screw ups.

And it was an incredibly smooth escrow, thanks to the sellers, buyers, buyers' agent, and our escrow officer. The buyers had made offers on 30 other houses before they got this accepted! I bet they have something to teach us about patience.

Got school? Need house? Two listings coming up.

I can't reveal the addresses until late next week, but I will soon be listing two homes for sale in Burbank's Jefferson elementary school district above Glenoaks. If you, or anyone you know, would like to get kids into an excellent public school system, here's your chance (Muir is the middle school and Burbank is the high school).

One house is a 3+1, a little over 1100 sf, and is a cosmetic fixer. Listing price isn't set yet, but it will probably list at about $499k. The second house is 3+2, 1400 sf., and looks like it's right out of a Pottery Barn catalog. It will probably list around $659k. Both of these are regular sales -- not REOs or short sales. More details to come next week.