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, 01 Jul 2025 17:08:00 +0000: $2,195,000 :: 950 N Holliston Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale
5 beds, 3 baths
Home size: 2,678 sq ft
Lot Size: 8,861 sq ft
Added: 06/27/25, Last Updated: 07/01/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: 25557107
Community: 646 - Pasadena (NE)
Status: Active
Nestled on a serene, tree-lined street in the heart of Pasadena's historic Bungalow Heaven, this thoughtfully renovated Spanish Colonial home is a private oasis of elegance and charm. This architectural gem reflects thoughtful design with an expansive living room that welcomes you with soaring ceilings, a grand floor-to-ceiling front window that bathes the space in natural light, and a dramatic curving plaster fireplace that serves as a stunning focal point. French doors open directly onto a private, enclosed front courtyard, offering seamless indoor-outdoor flow, perfect for relaxed family living and effortless hosting. Curved plaster walls, graceful arched doorways, and a Juliette balcony, define the home's interior, blending timeless craftsmanship with cinematic drama. The open-concept chef's kitchen features custom cabinetry, a large marble island, and a 12-foot, three-panel accordion door that opens to covered al fresco dining and a spacious green yard, an entertainer's dream with ample room for a lush garden or pool. Adjacent, the formal dining room offers an elegant setting for gatherings. Two additional bedrooms complete the main level, one of which offers flexibility as a den, office, or guest space. Upstairs, the primary bedroom is a light-filled sanctuary, boasting a cozy reading nook, a private patio framed by dramatic wrought-iron balconies, ensuite bathroom, vanity area, and a spacious walk-in closet. Two additional generously sized bedrooms, one with its own charming patio, provide ample space and natural light. The home also has a long driveway with parking for multiple cars and a 2-car detached garage. With its unparalleled finishes and distinctive style, this home offers a rare opportunity to live in one of Pasadena's most desirable neighborhoods.
Listed with Shawden Soltani CalDRE: N | 949-266-4271, The Oppenheim Group, 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/! - Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:28:00 +0000: $1,649,000 :: 1036 N Chester Avenue, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale
3 beds, 1.75 baths
Home size: 1,915 sq ft
Lot Size: 9,697 sq ft
Added: 07/01/25, Last Updated: 07/01/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-22995
Community: 645 - Pasadena (NW)
Status: Active
This exquisite three bedroom, two bath, 1915 square foot 1914 Craftsman Bungalow, with a den or office, has been lovingly remodeled and restored throughout. The house is an idyllic reflection of the arts and crafts movement while still offering a welcoming floor plan for entertaining or for enjoying the best of the California lifestyle. The interior is filled with period grace and details including hardwood floors, wide baseboards, rich wood moldings, elegant woodwork, gorgeous fixtures, as well as custom built-ins, all reflecting the majesty of the era. As you step up to the wide, inviting porch, you are beckoned in via a stately front door that leads into the living room with an impressive tiled fireplace framed by beautiful built-ins. From there you enter the central, formal dining room that has dark wood molding and tall French doors which let the light flood in. This adjoins the sun-lit, impeccably renovated kitchen, with stainless steel appliances, gleaming white cabinetry, an oversized Shaw farmhouse sink and stunning quartzite counters. There are three spacious bedrooms with two bathrooms that have been tastefully updated while remaining in keeping with the architecture of this highly desirable style. Additionally, there is a back mudroom, laundry area or multi-purpose space that steps out to the deep backyard. The expansive rear yard offers spaces for celebrating with friends or for quiet dinners under the stars. The 9,698 square foot lot, with a verdant lawn, a raised vegetable garden, numerous seating areas and an abundance of fruit trees is a pleasure to behold. The residence offers picture-perfect curb appeal and is located in the celebrated Bungalow Heaven Historic district which has been cited as one of the best neighborhoods in America. There are tours of the magnificent homes that line the shade dappled avenues. Don't miss this true Pasadena architectural treasure in this sought-after community!
Listed with Dhari Thein CalDRE: N | 626-437-7414, 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/! - Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:34:00 +0000: $1,980,000 :: 987 Bell Street, Pasadena CA, 91104 - Bungalow Heaven Homes for Sale
5 beds, 5 baths
Home size: 2,896 sq ft
Lot Size: 7,201 sq ft
Added: 06/24/25, Last Updated: 06/26/25
Property Type: Single Family
MLS Number: P1-22900
Community: 645 - Pasadena (NW)
Status: Active
Located in a historic 'Bungalow Heaven' of Pasadena, this charming 2416 s.f. 4-bed 4-bath 2-story house, with a 480 s.f. guest house, has been carefully transformed into a welcoming residence with no expense spared. Upon entering, you will discover a sun-drenched entry, pairing with a sunroom-like office. Step inside, the home features an open floor plan connecting a living-dining area, kitchen and family room together. The kitchen is equipped with white clean-lined cabinetry, oversized quartz island and top-of-the-line appliances. Head to the family room that leads to back yard oasis which is very tranquil and peaceful, you will enjoy the California indoor-outdoor living style. There is an en-suite with its own bathroom, a laundry and powder room completing the first floor. Upstairs, there are a lounge area which is perfect for kids studying, playing or watching TV, two bedrooms sharing a bathroom, and the master suite with its own spa-like bathroom. The master suite boasts a luxurious bath with dual vanities, soaking tub and beautiful tiles, and a balcony overlooking the mountain views. Tucked away at rear yard, a guest house features a spacious living-dining-sleeping area with modern kitchen and lovely bathroom. With every space feeling beautiful and comfortable, all the plumbing, electricity, HVAC, roofing and drywall replaced in 2022, and easy access to parks, shops and Freeways, this property is truly the one you do not want to miss.
Listed with Rui Huang | 626-205-4040, 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/!
PASADENA VIEWS REAL ESTATE TEAM
Pasadena Real Estate Agents
(626)629-VIEW(8439)
