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? Give her a call at 310-210-1749.
See additional homes for sale in the Bungalow Heaven as they are listed for sale by real estate agents:
- Tue, 15 May 2012 13:46:00 +0000: $659,000 :: 1040 N WILSON AVE, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

5 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths
Home size: 2,426 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,250 sq ft
Added: 01/16/12, Last Updated: 05/15/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 12575917
Community: Pasadena Ne
The price of this listing was last reduced on 2/17/2012 by 3%
Mother's Day Special! Back on the market just in time for you to make your mother happy! This large 1-story '60s traditional is nestled in the heart of Bungalow Heaven. Offering so much space--5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and all in good working order! Current owners have updated plumbing, electrical, HVAC, front of house and garage roofs, carpet, kitchen appliances, light fixtures, bathroom fixtures and toilets, vinyl flooring. Outside are a newer fence and driveway gate, new front steps. Kitchen is open to informal dining/family room plus there is a large formal dining room. The 2-car garage is detached and has extra storage space. The master bedroom opens on to the backyard.
Listed with Tracy King, Teles Properties, Inc.
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com! - Sat, 12 May 2012 12:57:00 +0000: $679,000 :: 1175 North Hill Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

4 beds, 2 full baths
Home size: 2,238 sq ft
Lot Size: 11,893 sq ft
Added: 04/12/12, Last Updated: 05/12/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: C12047018
Community: Pasadena Ne
Fabulous Pasadena home, great covered front porch, large bright living room with corner fireplace, 2 ceiling fans, refinished hardwood floors, large formal dining room with built-in china cabinet, recessed lighting. Glass french doors off dining room lead to an office/TV room. (Assessor shows home to be a 4 bedroom, but this room does not have a closet.) Kitchen remodeled with Wolfe stove, new cabinets, slate flooring, granite counter tops, laundry room off kitchen with huge pantry. Master bedroom is downstairs, quite large. Upstairs has 2 big bedrooms separated by a remodeled bath with 1" tile flooring and double sinks. This house has charm and is very 'homey'. Large front yard and back. Roof is 2 months old. Permitted copped plumbing. New water heater. New paint inside and out. Please view virtual tour. Motivated seller.
Listed with SHARRON JUNGMAN, KELLER WILLIAMS EAST FOOTHILLS
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com! - Fri, 11 May 2012 09:11:00 +0000: $552,000 :: 1428 Casa Grande Street, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

3 beds, 2 full baths
Home size: 1,692 sq ft
Lot Size: 6,243 sq ft
Added: 04/30/12, Last Updated: 05/11/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 22163901
Community: Pasadena Ne
Is this the English Cotswolds, or is this Pasadena? This sweet 1929 English Tudor Cottage is nestled in a woodsy setting on a lovely street in the Historic Highlands. The house is a classic example of Tudor design, with exterior half timber and plaster detail. Appropriate updates to the kitchen and downstairs bath are in keeping with the era and style of the home. The kitchen features an O'Keefe and Merritt stove, a built-in electric Nutone food center, and charming period details. The living room has a lovely, inviting ambience, with a wood burning fireplace and a bay window with a window seat. Hardwood flooring accents the majority of the house, adding to the very special appeal of this property. Have your morning coffee or afternoon tea in the secret garden under the tree canopy in the front patio. Relax on the private backyard terrace.
Listed with Annette Marchain, Prudential California Realty
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com! - Tue, 08 May 2012 22:03:00 +0000: $549,900 :: 814 North Mentor Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

3 beds, 2 full baths
Home size: 1,408 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,774 sq ft
Added: 03/27/12, Last Updated: 05/08/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: A12039485
Community: Pasadena Ne
The price of this listing was last reduced on 4/13/2012 by 3%
WOW...A Standard sale in a Very Desirable Location in Bungalow Heaven and in Immaculate Condition! This lovely home features a welcoming front porch .....perfect for your morning coffee or evening glass of wine. Enter through the New Front Door into the Home with a Open Floor Plan with a Large Bright Living Room, Enormous Kitchen area that has been completely remodeled, and Three Spacious Bedrooms, bathrooms have been remodeled too. The Home has Tile Floors throughout and recently painted interior.This Great Home sits on Lot of approximately 10,000 sq. ft. with so many possibilities. The Front and Back yards were just Beautifully re-landscaped. The backyard has a Beautiful Oak tree that centers the yard and sets the tone for relaxation after a long day. The Large Brick Patio area is Perfect for Family and Entertaining. Many Fruit trees surround the property. The two Car Detached Garage sits in the back of the property with a room for all your Toys, RV, Boat, etc... The Possibilities are Endless .....
Listed with Rana Madain, Podley Properties
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com! - Tue, 08 May 2012 15:42:00 +0000: $325,000 :: 1032 North Catalina, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale

3 beds, 1 full bath
Home size: 848 sq ft
Lot Size: 3,562 sq ft
Added: 01/09/12, Last Updated: 05/08/12
Property Type: Single Family, Residential
MLS Number: 12160109
Community: Pasadena Ne
The price of this listing was last reduced on 5/7/2012 by 2%
Seller is relocating and very motivated. Wonderful Spanish style house in Bungalow Heaven with 2 bedrooms, and a third, per the assessor which is really a great wood paneled den/home office, a really great condo alternative. Upgrades include new electrical and plumbing, remodeled large family kitchen (it even has a tiny dishwasher), remodeled bath.Despite the smaller lot, it has a perfect, fenced patio/side yard for outdoor living and a wrap around breezeway that would work for BBQ, the pets, storage, etc. Seller hates leaving after all his hard work but is being relocated out of the area due to a job transfer. **Short Sale Pending Lender Approval**
Listed with Robert Gonzalez, Fidelity Realty Corp
Brought to you by Irina Netchaev, John Aaroe Group. Call me today at 626-627-7107, or visit my website at www.pasadenaviews.com!
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I was just thinking if you were to offer free Chocolate Cake to your open houses, it might increase the foot traffic. It couldn’t hurt.
The only problem with that Mike would be that I wouldn’t be able to work and just be salivating over that chocolate cake. No cakes for me.
[...] real estate “deal of a lifetime”; the majority of our home owner hopefuls called in about Foreclosure homes or Short sales in their area of [...]