Foreclosure Friday: Bungalow Heaven Craftsman

Today, we have a special guest, Laurie March of Improvemental, interior designer and a “rapid renovator” extraordinaire.

Laurie has been an integral part of my team helping my home buyers and home sellers with renovations, updates and design consultations. She will be joining us for our Foreclosure Fridays as we visit bank owned properties.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at an REO that was just listed in the Bungalow Heaven area of Pasadena. Bungalow Heaven is one of the Landmark Districts of Pasadena and is known for its 800 or so craftsman style bungalows – many of which were built for as little as $5,500 from a kit, in the early 1900s.

742 North Chester Avenue, Pasadena California: Bungalow Heaven Bank Owned Home

I was very excited to see this property come up on the market.

First, it is in Bungalow Heaven and we do not see too many foreclosures in this area. Second, it is a character home, a craftsman, which is very much in demand by home buyers. It looked very promising on the MLS and both Laurie and I couldn’t wait to see it.

However, pricing is a bit of an issue here. Usually, we see bank owned homes priced a bit below market to ensure a quick sale. This home was priced towards the high end of the price range looking at the price per square foot and the median home price for 3 bedrooms and 1 bath in the Bungalow Heaven area.

READ MORE: Pasadena Foreclosure Statistics and Historical Overview

As we toured the home, see the video below, it was clear that it was full of potential and charm, but definitely needed significant renovations.

This real estate broker’s opinion? This home is overpriced given the amount of “loving” that it needs.

Listing Price: $554,900

Listing #: C10009014

3 bedrooms and 1 bath with 1,408 sq. ft. Lot size is 7,450 sq. ft. per assessor.

Price per Square Foot: $394.11

UPDATE: Sold for $515,000 on May 3, 2010

Information gathered from the Pasadena Multiple Listing Service as presented by South Hills Properties, Inc.

So take a walk with us through this bank owned bungalow:

Interested in seeing more Pasadena foreclosure homes? Visit Pasadena foreclosure homes for sale.

If you are interested in buying this home or would like to begin your home search, give us a call at 626-629-8439. We look forward to helping you find your next home in Pasadena or any of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Have a question for Laurie? A construction or an interior design project that you need help with? You can find her on HGTV now!

See additional homes for sale in the Bungalow Heaven as they are listed for sale by real estate agents:

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:56:00 +0000: $1,400,000 :: 1103 N Catalina Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,395 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,375 sq ft
Added: 04/28/25, Last Updated: 04/29/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-21922
Community: Pasadena (NE)
Status: Active

A happy home that's been filled with love, 1103 N Catalina Ave offers more than gorgeous curb appeal, charming Craftsman architecture, and beautiful updates. Here you've also found a warm and welcoming residence in Pasadena's treasured Bungalow Heaven that fosters closeness, gratitude, and daily joy. At the end of a long day, the spacious front porch invites you to relax with a good book and a delicious glass of wine, waving to friendly neighbors as they stroll by on their evening walk. Just inside, natural light pours into the home's window-lined living room, anchored by a hand-crafted fireplace and featuring gleaming hardwood floors. With Venetian plaster walls, this is a picturesque setting for hosting guests or simply enjoying peaceful repose. An elegant arched doorway, one of many character-rich design elements, leads to the formal dining room where dinner parties turn into cherished memories. Nearby, the home's kitchen is a showcase space that perfectly balances form and function. You'll love the high-end Thermador appliances as well as the thoughtful design details which include the copper sink and custom tile backsplash. In the back of the home, the primary suite is a quiet retreat featuring a stylish, remodeled bathroom and direct access to the lush backyard. Two additional bedrooms are bright and cheerful, and they share a fully renovated hall bathroom. In the verdant backyard oasis, weekends are times for treasured togetherness. Whether you're entertaining on the expansive patio, meditating by the babbling fountain, or roasting marshmallows around the fire pit late into the night, you'll savor this private space that surrounds you with natural beauty. The garage has been converted into a versatile studio space perfect for a home office, gym, or create workshop. Set in a beloved, tight-knit pocket of Pasadena, 1103 N Catalina Ave makes you realize the good life isn't a dream...it's waiting for you right here.

Listed with Evangelyn Lin CalDRE: 01817694 | (626) 807-6581, eXp Realty of California, Inc.

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!
Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:25:00 +0000: $1,179,000 :: 859 N Chester Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,123 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,549 sq ft
Added: 04/21/25, Last Updated: 04/21/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: PF25076951
Community: Pasadena (NE)
Status: Active

Welcome to this beautifully maintained single-story bungalow nestled in the heart of Pasadena’s historic Bungalow Heaven. Brimming with character and modern updates, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home blends classic charm with everyday comfort. Step onto the inviting front porch and into a warm living room featuring built-in bookshelves and a cozy fireplace. The spacious den/office, complete with paneled walls and custom shelving, offers the perfect retreat for work or relaxation. Sliding glass doors lead out to a covered patio—ideal for year-round entertaining. The primary suite features a walk-in closet, attic access, and a private bath with an oversized shower and stylish tile floors. The second bathroom includes a tiled floors and a stall shower for added convenience. The kitchen is a true highlight with recessed lighting, abundant counter and cabinet space, a large pantry, and brand-new stove/oven, air-extractor, and dishwasher. Additional amenities include a separate laundry room, central heat and air conditioning and freshly painted interiors and exterior. Enjoy outdoor living with a private backyard featuring mature fruit trees, a covered rear patio with a sink, and a long driveway leading to a large detached garage. The oversized garage includes workbenches and ample overhead lighting—perfect for hobbies, storage, or creative projects. This charming home sits on a generous lot in one of Pasadena’s most desirable neighborhoods, combining timeless style with thoughtful upgrades. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of Bungalow Heaven! Offers are due May 7 , 2025 at 5:00 PM

Listed with Enrique Lizarazu CalDRE: 00691382 | 6266391683, COMPASS

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 18:11:00 +0000: $1,100,000 :: 1180 N Catalina Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

2 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,132 sq ft
Lot Size: 10,115 sq ft
Added: 04/11/25, Last Updated: 04/18/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-21723
Community: Pasadena (NE)
Status: Conditional

Nestled in the highly desirable Bungalow Heaven Landmark District, this charming 1912 Craftsman bungalow--built by Vernon O. Whitcomb--is a contributing property to the district and offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,132 square feet, all on a single level. Set on a generous, flat 10,113-square-foot lot (60' x 168' deep!), the front porch welcomes you into a living room with a brick fireplace and bookcase partitions leading to a dining room, all framed by exposed Douglas Fir wainscoting. The kitchen features dark blue tile countertops, a bay window, an O'Keefe & Merritt stove, dishwasher, and fridge. A breakfast nook with built-in seating overlooks the backyard. The master bedroom impresses with soaring ceilings and a unique glass-enclosed sunken bathtub, with French doors opening to the outdoor retreat. Outside, enjoy a private sanctuary with a deck, built-in hot tub/spa, lawn, and mature fruit trees and oaks. Additional highlights include hardwood floors, inside laundry with washer and dryer, plaster walls and ceilings, built-in bookshelves, and original wood trim. Behind the house is a 441-square-foot detached 2-car garage, built new in 1985 and thoughtfully converted into an art studio--ideal as a future ADU--with its own central heating and air, high ceilings, skylights, track lighting, French doors, and Craftsman-style windows. This home is an excellent candidate for Mills Act. Come experience a tranquil slice of heaven in one of Pasadena's most sought-after neighborhoods.

Listed with Michael Bell CalDRE: 01164731 | (626) 796-4100, Sotheby's International Realty, Inc.

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!
Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:03:00 +0000: $3,195,000 :: 897 N Holliston Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

6 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 4,698 sq ft
Lot Size: 16,571 sq ft
Added: 03/20/25, Last Updated: 04/11/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 25513683
Community: Pasadena (NE)
The price of this listing was last reduced on 4/8/2025 by 14%
Status: Conditional

MASSIVE Price Reduction of $500,000. Ready to move. Approx $710 psf!! Exquisite 1906 Craftsman Masterpiece with Modern Upgrades nestled on a tree-lined street in the heart of Pasadena, this picture-perfect 1906 Craftsman has been meticulously restored and thoughtfully updated for today's living. Boasting 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this timeless home seamlessly blends original charm with state-of-the-art amenities. The home features extensive infrastructural upgrades, including a new sister foundation, new plumbing and electrical throughout with 400 amps added, and new insulation in the walls and attic. It also showcases a new rain gutters, dual-zone HVAC with all-new ducting and a Nest system, and two Rheem tankless water heaters for on-demand hot water. A full-house water filtration system by Lifesource, solar panels, and a full-house alarm and camera system provide enhanced security, efficiency, and comfort. The master bedroom offers comprehensive soundproofing with triple-layered walls and ceiling, Rockwool insulation, acoustic caulking, and double-layered sound-reducing windows for unmatched privacy. The property is enclosed by a new 6' wooden privacy fence with mature trees, creating a serene and secluded retreat.Preserving its timeless craftsmanship, the home retains original 1906 details, including the front door, redwood trim, and cylinder glass windows, all expertly restored with brass window flashing by Revival Arts Restoration to reduce drafts. The three original fireplaces and chimneys have been beautifully restored, and the home retains its original push-button light switches and un-lacquered brass hardware, preserving its historic character.The chef's kitchen is a culinary dream, featuring a Wolf 48" gas range with 8 burners, 2 convection ovens, and a Wolf 48" hood, along with a Wolf 30" built-in electric oven and Wolf built-in coffee system. The kitchen also boasts a Sub-Zero 48" side-by-side refrigerator/freezer with a dispenser, Sub-Zero full-size integrated wine storage, and two KitchenAid dishwashers. The farmhouse and bar sinks are complemented by Waterworks fixtures, while custom cabinetry and Schoolhouse Lighting chandeliers and sconces complete the space with style and functionality. The beautifully landscaped property features a California native front yard garden designed by The Plant Artist and a backyard oasis created by SALT Studio, with six fruit trees, including Hachiya persimmon, Meyer lemon, blood orange, grapefruit, navel orange, and Bear's lime. Two 36 sq/ft raised garden beds with irrigation provide space for homegrown produce, while landscape and exterior lighting enhance the ambiance. The property also offers Wi-Fi extended for full backyard coverage, an electric gate for added security, and a 50 sq/ft garden shed. For entertainment, the home includes a built-in ceiling, wall, and exterior sound system integrated with Sonos, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and large-scale entertaining. All of this with an approximate 400 square foot of garage. This rare Craftsman offers the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury, making it a truly exceptional property in one of Pasadena's most sought-after neighborhoods.

Listed with Bryony Atkinson CalDRE: 01737362 | 323-377-4858, MAISONRE

Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, Pasadena Views Real Estate Team Inc. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com/free-home-search/!