Mountain Views News          Saturday, March 26, 2011

14

HOMES AND PROPERTY

 Mountain Views-News Saturday, March 26, 2011 

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


1913 Arts and Crafts Home in Sierra Madre: Just Listed

“Real estate agents rarely get a home listing that’s truly 
turnkey. This is one of those few,” commented listing agent, 
Luther Tsinoglou of his new listing in the southwest corner 
of Sierra Madre. 

Located on a street with the deep shade of mature oaks and other 
trees, this 1913 era home was a “wreck” according to the current 
owners when they first viewed it in 2005. 

After four decades of neglect, the home needed just about 
everything, according to the owner. The living room ceiling 
sagged, the foundation needed work, the gazebo had collapsed when someone climbed 
on it to pick oranges, the heating system was antiquated gravity-fed… and worst of all… 
part of the wood flooring had to be removed because cats had occupied the area without 
attention. They almost didn’t get farther than the front door. 

“But, once we saw the back yard, we knew we wanted it,” he said. After closing they hired 
two contractors to undertake “hundreds of thousands of dollars of work” over about a 
year. The result is gorgeous, well planned and impeccable.

They were able to keep most of the original hardwood flooring and what they believe 
to be a Batchelder tile fireplace facing. The fireplace resumed its place of honor as the 
focal point of the formal living spaces, and the gold color palette chosen for the first 
floor beautifully complements the 
fireplace. The chimney outside was 
another matter. It needed to be 
rebuilt.

A small office is located off the 
formal living spaces, a product 
of reconfiguring the front door 
entrance. If no office is needed here, 
the location might just be perfect for 
a wine storage and tasting room.

The kitchen includes granite counters 
and backsplashes, stainless steel gas 
cooktop and exhaust, double ovens, 
generous work space and cabinetry, 
large scale tile pleasingly installed 
on the diagonal and built-in washer 
dryer space. 

In a nod to current lifestyles, the 
kitchen is open to the family room, 
creating a comfortable, casual living 
space with sliding glass doors to the 
back yard and pool.

Two bedrooms and a remodeled bath complete the main level. The second floor is dedicated to the master suite now. The 
owners opened and reconfigured two bedrooms into a master suite with an “organized” walk in closet and private bath with 
walk-in shower. 

The soft sage color palette upstairs seems taken from the hue of the lush, mature trees which reflect their color into the room. 
When the western sun hit in the afternoon, an electric awning can be extended for cool shade in the room. The back yard and 
the master suite enjoy San Gabriel mountain views, too. 

The new gazebo provides shaded comfort for dining and relaxing by the pool, which was converted to salt water, and the added 
in-ground spa. Behind the two car garage out back, the pool’s half bath is plumbed for a shower, and a north facing workshop 
is adjacent, perfect for the hobbyist or artist. 

461 W. Orange Grove Avenue in Sierra Madre will be open on Sunday March 27 from 2-5 p.m., and is listed by Luther Tsinoglou 
of Podley Properties at $895,000. For more information, visit the home’s website, www.461WestOrangeGrove.com or contact 
the agent at 626-507-3029. 

 


IT ALL ADDS UP

As you search and tour homes that appeal to you, how can you be sure that the asking prices 
are in line with current values? Begin by asking your real estate agent to collect comparables 
and prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This report indicates market trends by 
showing whether similar homes in the area are selling for above or below the asking price of 
the home(s) you've selected.

Using the comparables that your agent researched, you'll be able to figure the average cost 
per square foot for the area, and determine if the home you want compares favorably with 
those figures. Total the square footage of several homes and divide by the number of homes 
to get an average. Total the "sold" prices of each home and divide by the number of homes 
to get an average selling price.

 

Now, divide that average selling price by the average square footage to produce the average 
price per square foot for homes in the area. When you multiply that average price per square 
foot by the square footage of the home you want, you'll discover how your choice compares, 
and then you'll know if you're looking at a fair price.

 Other factors like the seller's motivation or urgency may also affect your offer, so talk to 
your agent about that CMA and take the next step! 

What’s On YOUR Mind? What D0 YOU Think? 

We’d like to hear from you! Contact us at: 

editor@mtnviewsnews.com or 

www.facebook.com/mountainviewsnews


LindaJohnson626.355.1451 x112626.827.0449C21LJ@aol.comREALTOR, SFRDRE# 01208582Entertainer’s HomeSierra Madre • Offered at $725,000This spacious, single-story, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in beautiful 
Sierra Madre. An inviting covered front patio greets you...perfect for 
outdoor California dining/entertaining. Featuring an open kitchen, with 
a breakfast bar. Located next to the living room a family/dining room 
which is divided by a fireplace. The dining area has a great view of the 
backyard and at night enjoy the view of city lights. The backyard has a 
patio, fruit trees, and play area perfect for entertaining young and old. 
Also, a two-car detached garage completes this home.
Spacious HomeSierra Madre • Offered at $675,0003 bedroom, 2 bath home on desirable and quiet street. The home features 
a fireplace in the living room and in the family room, eating area off the 
kitchen, large living and family room and large master bedroom with 
dual closets. Oversized two car garage with laundry hookups. Backyard 
has a patio, fruit trees and privacy. The home is in clean condition has 
new dual pane windows throughout.
Villagewww.california-homes.listingbook.com
MECHELLE 

VALENZUELA 
JOINS CENTURY 
21 VILLAGE

 

Andy Bencosme, Managing 
Broker of CENTURY 
21 Village in Sierra Madre 
recently welcomed Mechelle 
Valenzuela to his Sierra 
Madre office. The announcement 
was made at the office’s 
weekly marketing and sales 
meeting.

Valenzuela said that she is 
very excited about her new 
association with Village and 
that she chose the Sierra 
Madre office for the wonderful atmosphere, friendly agents 
and Bencosme’s extensive real estate knowledge. She also 
noted that she had read a lot about the other agents and their 
success on the internet and in the local newspapers.

 

Raised in Pasadena, Valenzuela studied Business at Pasadena 
City College. Valenzuela now lives in Monrovia and is a wife 
and proud mother of 2 little girls. She is an active volunteer 
at Bethany Christian School in Sierra Madre where she serves 
on the PTA Board. Bencosme said that Mechelle will be "very 
successful in her real estate career due to her attention to detail, 
hard work and dedication to her clients.”

 Mechelle Valenzuela and all of the friendly agents at CENTURY 
21 Village Realty can be reached at 38 W. Sierra Madre 
Blvd. in Sierra Madre or by telephone 626.355.1451 or on the 
internet at www.c21village.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