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.
Read More: Do homes in Landmark District of Pasadena demand higher prices?
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, 13 May 2025 15:29:00 +0000: $1,500,000 :: 795 N Mar Vista Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale
3 beds, 2 baths
Home size: 1,530 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,152 sq ft
Added: 05/12/25, Last Updated: 05/13/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-22207
Community: Pasadena (NE)
Status: Active
Beautifully updated in 2023 with style to spare, 795 N Mar Vista Ave is a turnkey Craftsman dream home that's filled with love. Set in the heart of cheerful Bungalow Heaven, tree lined streets, character rich architecture, and a sense of wholesome nostalgia create a magical setting for bike rides and evening strolls. When you return home, open the redwood fence to reveal your gorgeous 1914 gem, set back far from the street and resting under a canopy of mature trees. Finish the day's last email from the peace of the covered front porch, then settle in to enjoy the warm breeze and wide-open view of the private front yard. Busy days fade from memory in the welcoming warmth of the living and dining room, where gorgeous blonde oak hardwood floors are drenched in light from an array of large, Pella windows. The reimagined kitchen is a showstopper sure to make your guests swoon. With a quartzite waterfall island, custom wood cabinetry in heritage green, brass accents, and GE Cafe appliances, you'll enjoy a stunning ambiance that rivals LA's coolest restaurants. French doors open wide to the spacious deck and just beyond, shade trees and a yard space create an ideal play-and-relax zone -- whether it's morning coffee, weekend barbecues, or hosting neighborhood playdates. Resting at the end of its own private hallway, the primary suite features an ensuite bath with dual vanity and beautiful aesthetics. Two additional cheerful bedrooms are positioned toward the front of the home, with a full bath conveniently nestled between. 795 N Mar Vista Ave is where special traditions are born, the days' stories are shared, and lasting memories take root.
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/! - 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/!
PASADENA VIEWS REAL ESTATE TEAM
Pasadena Real Estate Agents
(626)629-VIEW(8439)
