525 E California, Pasadena, California 91106, Pasadena, 91106 - 3 bed, 3 bath

525 E California, Pasadena, California 91106 home-pic-0

525 E California

Pasadena, California 91106

ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT
CONDITION: GOOD
3Beds
3Baths
2,669Sq Ft
7,920Lot Size

Property Price

LIST PRICE$2,079,000
EST. MARKET VALUE
$2,212,584
6% BelowMARKET VALUE

SUMMARY

Analysis of 525 E California, Pasadena, California 91106 reveals a Prime Investment Opportunity with a current list price of $2,079,000—significantly undercutting the $2,212,584 Fair Market Value by 6%. This valuation gap indicates a +$133,584 Instant Equity potential for buyers. The property maintains a Good Condition Rating (78/100), reflecting solid structural condition with well-maintained systems. The property presents an attractive opportunity for buyers seeking a move-in ready home. Located in a high-demand neighborhood within the Pasadena Unified School District, this asset is categorized as a low-risk, high-reward acquisition suitable for both Buy-and-Hold Investors and Owner-Occupants willing to undertake light renovation work.

Estimated Market Value

$2,212,584 +$133,584 Equity Potential
Based on Realkey algorithm analyzing recent comparable sales in Pasadena.

Comparable Sales Map

Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently

Address Sold Price BedsBathsSq Ft$/SqftDistance
525 E California
Subject
$2,079,000*
List Price
332,669$829-
A
307 Fillmore Street
Sold
$2,430,000432,431$1,0000.4 mi

* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.

Condition Analysis

OVERALL CONDITION SCORE

Good
TeardownExcellent

Property is move-in ready.

This 1907 Craftsman is in move-in ready condition following an extensive restoration and expansion in 2007. The property features high-end finishes including a chef's kitchen with a 48-inch Thermador range and SubZero refrigeration, marble countertops, and updated bathrooms with premium features like a steam shower. While the major renovation occurred approximately 19 years ago, the quality of materials and continued maintenance of the character-rich interior and systems align with a 'good' condition rating.

PROSSTRENGTHS & OPPORTUNITIES

  • Historic Craftsmanship & Modern Luxury

    This 1907 Craftsman seamlessly blends timeless architectural details, like the arroyo stone fireplace, with a 2007 expansion featuring a chef’s kitchen equipped with Thermador and SubZero appliances.

  • Prime Pasadena Location

    Situated adjacent to historic Madison Heights and moments from Caltech and the Huntington, the property offers unparalleled access to elite cultural institutions, dining, and shopping.

  • Versatile Bonus Space

    The beautifully finished 388-square-foot garage provides high-value flexibility, serving as a ready-to-use home office, gym, or creative studio separate from the main living areas.

CONSRISKS & DEFICIENCIES

  • MLS Listing Discrepancy

    Lot size discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing lot size in square feet =7920, other record lot size in square feet = 7850. Living area discrepancy between mls listing and other public or private record. mls listing living area = 2669, other record living area = 2474.

  • Traffic Exposure

    Located on East California Boulevard, a major Pasadena thoroughfare, the property may experience higher traffic volume and associated street noise despite the privacy hedges.

  • Limited Bedroom Count

    With only three bedrooms at a price point exceeding $2 million, the home may lack the capacity required by larger families or buyers seeking multiple guest suites.

About 525 E California

Secluded and private, behind a river rock wall and mature hedges, this 1907 Craftsman located adjacent to historic Madison Heights offers timeless character and high-end updates in a desirable location. The home is quietly introduced by an arbor entry and a handsome gate on Oakland Avenue, which opens to reveal a secret garden. Follow the meandering stone path through a velvety lawn to the generous front porch and stunning solid wood front door. Inside, quality craftsmanship and custom details abound in this restored home, from rich amber-hued hardwood floors to the grand-scale chiseled granite arroyo stone fireplace, a decorative centerpiece befitting the spacious living room. Natural light is a constant here, with beautiful wood casement windows bringing in sunlight and lush green garden views. Expanded and restored by architect William S Long, in 2007, the floor plan flows seamlessly for convenience and ease: the living room leads into a formal dining room, which opens to both a covered deck via french doors, and to a superlative kitchen. Chefs will revel in the 48' Thermador range, warming drawer, double wall ovens and SubZero refrigerator, while design aficionados will enjoy the combination of classic, early 20th-style millwork and fixtures with elegant finishes like natural marble countertops and floors. A convenient mudroom and powder bath complete the public spaces on the ground level. Private spaces are equally well-appointed: the primary suite with walk-in-closet features an en-suite bath with steam shower and separate soaking tub. Upstairs, two additional sizable bedrooms share another updated full bath with a soaking tub and separate shower. The large laundry and bonus storage/linen storage room, plus built-in shelving and desk nook provide value and utility. Lastly, at 388 SF, the garage is large enough for two cars, but the space is finished beautifully and ideal for a den, home office or gym space. Centrally located between Madison Heights, the Playhouse District and South Lake Ave, this home is surrounded by beloved cultural institutions (the Pacific Asia Museum, Caltech and the Huntington, to name a few), with wonderful dining, shopping and architectural sight-seeing just moments from the front door.

Property Details

Public Facts

Property Type
Single Family Residence
Year Built
1907
Lot Size
7,920 Sq. Ft.

Interior

Total Bedrooms
3
Total Bathrooms
3 (3 Full, 0 Half)

Exterior & Parking

No exterior & parking available.

Utilities & Misc

HOA Fee
$0 / Month

Neighborhood Insights

Sensitive Facilities

No sensitive facilities data found.

Neighborhood Comparison

FeatureSubjectAverage HomeNeighborhood Ranking (50 Listings)
Beds3.03.0
50%
Baths3.02.0
67%
Square foot2,6691,997
73%
Lot Size7,9209,736
39%
Price$2.08M$1.90M
61%
Price per sq ft$779$925
15%
Built year19071921
15%
HOA$0$0
50%
Days on market14155
3%

Pricing History

Listed for Sale

Feb 20, 2026

$2,079,000

Initial Listing

Sold

Jan 26, 2017

$1,585,000

Public Record

Sold

Jun 8, 2015

$1,300,000

Public Record

Sold

Jun 5, 2008

$1,255,000

Public Record

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