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

525 E California
Pasadena, California 91106
Property Price
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
Comparable Sales Map
Comparables within 1 miles sold in recently
| Address | Sold Price | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft | $/Sqft | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
★ 525 E California Subject | $2,079,000* List Price | 3 | 3 | 2,669 | $829 | - |
A 307 Fillmore Street Sold | $2,430,000 | 4 | 3 | 2,431 | $1,000 | 0.4 mi |
* Subject property listed price vs sold prices of comps.
Condition Analysis
OVERALL CONDITION SCORE
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
| Feature | Subject | Average Home | Neighborhood Ranking (50 Listings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beds | 3.0 | 3.0 | 50% |
| Baths | 3.0 | 2.0 | 67% |
| Square foot | 2,669 | 1,997 | 73% |
| Lot Size | 7,920 | 9,736 | 39% |
| Price | $2.08M | $1.90M | 61% |
| Price per sq ft | $779 | $925 | 15% |
| Built year | 1907 | 1921 | 15% |
| HOA | $0 | $0 | 50% |
| Days on market | 14 | 155 | 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














































