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281 E Avenue 33, Los Angeles, California 90031, Los Angeles, 90031 - 3 bed, 3 bath

281 E Avenue 33, Los Angeles, California 90031 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$959,000
281 E Avenue 33, Los Angeles, California 90031
3Beds
3Baths
1,809Sqft
5,954Lot
Year Built
1895
Close
-
List price
$959K
Original List price
$989K
Price/Sqft
$530
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
25612577
Home ConditionPoor
Features
Good View: City Lights, Park/Greenbelt, Hills, Mountain(s), Panoramic
Deck
Patio
ViewCity Lights,Park/Greenbelt,Hills,Mountain(s),Panoramic

About this home

Possibly Over-Priced:The estimated price is 10% below the list price. We found 3 Cons,6 Pros. Rank: price - $959.0K(53th), sqft - 1809(71th), beds - 3(50th), baths - 3(66th).

Step into 1895 and discover a rare Victorian treasure. Only the second time on the market for more than 70 years. This property is set up as a house, and yet it was functioning as a Duplex for decades. Perfect opportunity for developers and flippers, prime location, endless potential, and ready to be reimagined for maximum return. This 3-bedroom, 3-bath home overflows with original character, hardwood floors, vintage windows, and timeless architectural charm. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, it backs up to a road and offers mountain and downtown skyline views in a peaceful, park-like setting. The garden, patios, and outdoor entertaining areas invite you to enjoy nature right at your doorstep, bordering Montecito Heights Open Space and hiking trails. Just minutes from Highland Park, Debs Park, and Heritage Square Museum. Parking for two cars. A one-of-a-kind opportunity to own a true piece of Los Angeles history. *** This property will need to be purchased with Cash, a 203(k) Loan, Construction Financing, or a hard money loan. ***

Nearby schools

2/10
Hillside Elementary School
Public,•K-5•0.2mi
4/10
Loreto Street Elementary School
Public,•K-5•0.4mi
6/10
Latona Avenue Elementary School
Public,•K-6•0.6mi
4/10
Gates Street Elementary School
Public,•K-5•0.9mi
4/10
Huntington Drive Elementary School
Public,•K-6•1.1mi
1/10
Bushnell Way Elementary School
Public,•K-6•1.7mi
5/10
El Sereno Elementary School
Public,•K-6•1.9mi
7/10
Garvanza Elementary School
Public,•K-6•2.8mi
8/10
Monterey Hills Elementary School
Public,•K-5•2.9mi
5/10
Florence Nightingale Middle School
Public,•6-8•0.5mi
5/10
Glen Alta Elementary School
Public,•K-8•0.6mi
5/10
El Sereno Middle School
Public,•6-8•1.8mi
6/10
Luther Burbank Middle School
Public,•6-8•2.8mi
9/10
South Pasadena Middle School
Public,•6-8•3.8mi
5/10
Abraham Lincoln Senior High School
Public,•9-12•0.8mi
4/10
Woodrow Wilson Senior High School
Public,•9-12•1.6mi
7/10
Benjamin Franklin Senior High School
Public,•6-12•2.2mi
9/10
South Pasadena Senior High School
Public,•9-12•3.7mi

Price History

Date
Event
Price
12/07/25
Price Change
$959,000-3.0%
10/29/25
Listing
$989,000
05/26/22
Sold
$1,005,000
Condition Rating
Poor
This property, built in 1895, is a historic Victorian treasure that has retained much of its original character, but it is in dire need of substantial repairs and rehabilitation. The MLS description explicitly states it's an 'opportunity for developers and flippers' and 'ready to be reimagined for maximum return,' requiring 'Cash, a 203(k) Loan, Construction Financing, or a hard money loan,' all of which indicate a significant investment beyond the purchase price. The images confirm this: the kitchen features extremely outdated appliances, worn cabinets, and old flooring, clearly requiring a full gut renovation. Bathrooms, based on the partial view, also appear very dated. While the home has 'hardwood floors' and 'vintage windows,' these elements show significant wear and tear, and the overall condition of systems (heating, electrical, plumbing) is likely very old and in need of extensive replacement or upgrade. There's no evidence of major renovations within the last 50 years, aligning with the 'poor' criteria for properties built over 30 years ago with very old or no major renovations.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Great Schools: Middle School: South Pasadena Middle School (9/10). High School: South Pasadena Senior High School (9/10).
Historic Victorian Architecture & Rarity: A rare 1895 Victorian treasure, on the market for only the second time in over 70 years, offering a unique piece of Los Angeles history with original character, hardwood floors, and timeless architectural charm.
Significant Investment & Development Opportunity: Presents a perfect opportunity for developers and flippers, with endless potential for reimagining and maximizing return, especially given its past function as a duplex.
Exceptional Views & Natural Surroundings: Offers mountain and downtown skyline views from a peaceful, park-like setting, bordering Montecito Heights Open Space and hiking trails, with inviting garden and outdoor entertaining areas.
Prime Location & Neighborhood Proximity: Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, just minutes from desirable areas like Highland Park, Debs Park, and Heritage Square Museum, enhancing its appeal and accessibility.
Original Character & Architectural Details: The home overflows with original character, including hardwood floors and vintage windows, preserving its historical integrity and appealing to buyers seeking unique period features.

Cons

Restrictive Financing Requirements: The property requires specialized financing such as Cash, a 203(k) Loan, Construction Financing, or a hard money loan, significantly limiting the pool of potential buyers.
Significant Renovation & Capital Investment Needed: The property's age (1895) and the required financing types strongly indicate it needs substantial renovation and capital investment beyond the purchase price to be fully realized.
Recent Price Reduction & Below Previous Sale: The current list price is below its previous sale price from 2022 and has seen a recent reduction, which may suggest market resistance or underlying issues affecting its perceived value.

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