Mountain Views News          Saturday, June 12, 2010

FYI

14

Mountain Views News Saturday, June 12, 2010

One Of A Kind: Featuring unique homes & gardens and the people who create them Story and Photos By Chris Bertrand


2010 Arcadia Beautiful Award Winners Announced

 Local residents 
had the opportunity 
again to nominate 
neighbors and 
businesses that help 
make Arcadia a 
beautiful place to 
live by their pretty 
front yards. From 
those nominations, 
thirteen properties 
were chosen as the best of the best this year.

 According to Connie Schacatano at the city of 
Arcadia, “Judging criteria included the overall 
appearance as well as all the elements relative 
to the general beautification of the property, 
including general property maintenance, design, 
architecture, color plus improvements to the 
structure and landscaping. Other things that the 
judges look for is originality and “eye catching 
appeal.” The property should upgrade the image 
of the neighborhood and add to the beauty of the 
community.” Homes can win only once every four 
years. 

 I took two “judges” with me on a pleasant tour of 
this year’s winners, and of those listed, we chose 
our three favorites: 1120 Singingwood Drive, 1120 
Encanto Drive and the commercial building at 
1601 S. Baldwin. 

 I routed the homes in a somewhat logical 
sequence for those who might enjoy a tour of 
lovely front yards: 

1. 1610 Rodeo Road

2. 300 Hacienda Drive

3. 1489 Caballero Road

4. 1145 Fallen Leaf Road

5. 1120 Singingwood Drive

6. 516 Catalpa Road

7. 431 Monte Vista Road

8. 857 Volante Drive

9. 1120 Encanto Drive

10. 921-933 W. Huntington Drive

11. 1601 S. Baldwin Avenue

12. 1201 Greenfield Avenue

13. 233 E. Huntington Drive

Come December, the city also gives out its Holiday 
Awards for outstanding exterior decorations. So 
Arcadia residents, keep your eye out for great 
decorations in December and send in those 
nominations to the City Manager’s office 240 W. 
Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007!

Have an interesting home or garden that 
might interest our readers? Send the details to 
C.Bertrand@MtnViewsNews.com!


Chris Bertrand


With all of the changes enacted in real estate 
and related industries, the appraisal process 
has not been immune. Because lenders were 
found to be pressuring the appraisers they 
hired, banks now must largely work with 
independent appraisers, and they're finding 
themselves buried in a backlog of jobs. 

Because of their workloads, appraisers 
will gladly consider any information you 
can provide about your property, and will 
hopefully generate a more accurate report. 
As a seller, list the best features of your home, 
including recent improvements, professional 
landscaping, or even benefits of your location 
(like access to public transportation and schools). While you won't necessarily be graded for your housekeeping 
skills, appraisers do pay attention to the very appearance and cleanliness of your home. You can positively affect 
your appraisal's outcome if your lawn is mowed or raked, your windows sparkle, and your closets look spacious. 
Appraisers are practically looking through the buyer's eyes, so pretend you're preparing for an open house 
before their arrival. 

Finally, be sure to request a copy of the report, because lenders are required to provide it, but you've got to ask. 
If you find any errors in important features like square footage or property description, contact the appraiser 
directly. Let the lender and your agent know, too, but understand that they cannot take any direct action under 
the new rules. Luther Tsinoglou has just been named the top producing sales agent in Dickson Podley Realtor’s 
Sierra Madre office for 2009, making the top 10% at the company overall. Luther has been licensed and practicing 
real estate since 1992. He specializes in residential and income property in Southern California. Luther can be 
reached at his direct line (626) 695-8650 or at luther@tsinoglou.com. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com