638 N Mar Vista Avenue, Pasadena, California 91106, Pasadena, 91106 - bed, bath

638 N Mar Vista Avenue, Pasadena, California 91106 home-pic-0
ACTIVE$2,589,000
638 N Mar Vista Avenue, Pasadena, California 91106
0Bed
0Bath
5,230Sqft
16,511Lot
Year Built
1927
Close
-
List price
$2.59M
Original List price
$2.59M
Price/Sqft
$495
HOA
-
Days on market
-
Sold On
-
MLS number
CV25177122
Home ConditionGood
Features
Good View:
View-

About this home

We found 3 Cons,5 Pros. Rank: price - $2.59M(67th), sqft - 5230(67th), beds - undefined(50th), baths - undefined(50th).

Charming 6-Unit Bungalow Investment – Prime Pasadena Location! Rare opportunity to own a 6-unit, single-story bungalow-style apartment property in the heart of Pasadena, just a block from the historic Bungalow Heaven district. Situated on a large ±16,466 SF R3 lot, this well-maintained asset includes five freestanding structures totaling ±5,230 SF of living space. Each of the six units is a spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom (~870 SF) with excellent layouts and vintage charm. Features include: Freestanding design – no shared walls. Washer/dryer room next to kitchen (some with machines). Beautiful Original hardwood floors, crown molding, wall paneling. Updated bathrooms with tile floors and modern fixtures. Kitchens with tile floors, range, exhaust fan, and water line for fridge. Wall A/C units and ceiling fans to add comfort. One reserved garage parking space per unit with two garage structures and four carport spaces. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property offers potential tax benefits. Key upgrades include copper plumbing, updated electrical, fresh exterior paint, and no soft-story retrofit required. Each unit is individually metered for gas and electricity. Four of the six tenants are long-term, stable residents, all on month-to-month leases, allowing rental upside under AB 1482 (max increase: 5% + CPI/year). Outstanding Location. Minutes from Old Town Pasadena, Lake Avenue, Pasadena City College, and Colorado Blvd. Walk to shops, cafes, museums, and entertainment. Strong local demographics with an average household income of $103,130 within 1 mile. Easy freeway access (210, 110, 134) enables quick commutes to Downtown LA, Glendale, and Burbank. Investor Peace of Mind – Attractive All-Cash Price. Offered at an attractive all-cash price for a quick, hassle-free sale—a rare opportunity where the seller’s loss is the buyer’s gain. This turnkey investment boasts stable cash flow, low maintenance, and future rent growth potential, providing investors with peace of mind and consistent income from day one.

Price History

Date
Event
Price
09/11/25
Price Change
$2,589,000-0.4%
08/06/25
Listing
$2,590,000
08/06/25
Price Change
$2,599,950
Condition Rating
Good

Despite being built in 1927, this property has undergone significant and recent updates, making it move-in ready. The description highlights 'updated bathrooms with tile floors and modern fixtures' and 'kitchens with tile floors, range, exhaust fan,' which are confirmed by the images showing modern stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, and subway tile backsplashes in the kitchens, and updated tile in the bathrooms. Key infrastructure like copper plumbing and updated electrical are also noted. Original hardwood floors are beautifully maintained, and living areas feature modern light fixtures. While some bathroom fixtures retain an older style and cooling is via wall A/C units, the overall condition is well-maintained with minimal wear and tear, indicating recent renovations within the last 5-15 years for critical components.
Pros & Cons

Pros

Prime Location & Demographics: Situated in a highly desirable Pasadena location, a block from Bungalow Heaven, offering walking access to Old Town Pasadena, Lake Avenue, and various amenities. Supported by strong local demographics with high average household income and excellent freeway access.
Turnkey Investment with Rental Upside: A well-maintained, stable cash-flowing asset with four long-term tenants on month-to-month leases, providing immediate income and future rent growth potential under AB 1482.
Upgraded Infrastructure & Low Maintenance: Significant capital expenditures have been addressed with copper plumbing, updated electrical, fresh exterior paint, and no soft-story retrofit required, reducing immediate maintenance concerns. Units are individually metered for utilities.
Unique Freestanding Bungalow Style & Historic Status: The property features charming, freestanding bungalow units with no shared walls, offering enhanced privacy and vintage appeal. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places may provide potential tax benefits.
Large R3 Zoned Lot: The substantial ±16,466 SF R3 zoned lot offers potential for future development or expansion, subject to local zoning and historic preservation regulations, adding long-term value.

Cons

Limited Cooling System: Units are equipped with wall A/C units and ceiling fans, which may be less desirable than central air conditioning for some tenants, especially during warmer months.
All-Cash Transaction Requirement: The property is offered at an 'all-cash price,' significantly limiting the pool of potential buyers who may require financing.
Rent Control Limitations: While there is rental upside, AB 1482 caps annual rent increases (5% + CPI), which could slow the process of bringing potentially below-market rents from long-term tenants up to full market value.

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