Selling Pasadena's Architectural Homes: Craftsman, Victorian, Mid-Century & Spanish Revival Specialist

Your Pasadena Architectural Homes Expert: Justin Borges, creator of Pasadena Vibes, 13+ year Pasadena agent, and owner of a personally restored 1890 Victorian in Normandy Heights. Specializing in Craftsman, Victorian, Mid-Century Modern, and Spanish Revival homes with over $200M in sales and a 106% average list-to-sale ratio.

Pasadena's Architectural Diversity: A City Like No Other

Pasadena is one of the rare places in Southern California where every major architectural style is represented, often on the same block. The city's development timeline created a living museum of American residential architecture. Within just a few miles, you can find:

• Turn-of-the-century Victorians from the 1880s–1910 era
• Craftsman bungalows from Pasadena's early 20th-century Arts & Crafts revival
• Spanish Revivals from the 1920s–1930s
• Mid-Century Moderns from Pasadena's post-war boom
• Tudors, Colonial Revivals, Italianates, and dozens of variations

Documenting this diversity is a personal passion of mine. Through Pasadena Vibes, my local history platform with more than 5,200 followers and 90,000+ monthly views, I highlight Pasadena's architectural eras, hidden gems, and neighborhood stories.

And I truly mean it when I say:

"Seeing Craftsman homes next to Spanish Revivals next to Mid-Century Modern homes - it's magical when one city has all those chapters preserved."

This architectural mix is also why selling a Pasadena home is not the same as selling a standard L.A. property. You need someone who understands era-specific value, original details, historical districts, and what today's buyers truly want.

Pasadena Architectural Styles: Quick Comparison

Architectural Style	Best Neighborhoods	Typical Buyers	Key Value Drivers
Craftsman	Bungalow Heaven, Madison Heights	Millennials, design-conscious families	Original built-ins, curb appeal, period details
Victorian	Normandy Heights, Altadena border	History enthusiasts, restoration lovers	Period millwork, authentic restoration, character
Mid-Century Modern	Linda Vista, Arroyo area	Gen-Z, Millennials, design professionals	Clean lines, indoor-outdoor flow, original features
Spanish Revival	San Rafael, Madison Heights, foothills	Old-world charm seekers, courtyard lovers	Arched doorways, tile work, courtyards, stucco

Craftsman Homes & Bungalow Heaven: Pasadena's Architectural Soul

Craftsman homes are the heart of Pasadena, and no neighborhood captures them better than Bungalow Heaven - the city's first landmark district with over 800 Craftsman and early 20th-century homes.

Living the Craftsman Experience

I lived in Bungalow Heaven for two years, and that experience shaped my appreciation for Craftsman design. We'd take our daughter to McDonald Park, walk Mar Vista, Michigan, and the storybook streets lined with deep porches, river-rock pillars, and exposed beams. Living among these homes helps you understand not only how they're built, but how people experience them.

What Makes Craftsman Homes Valuable

Craftsman homes sell not just because they're beautiful, but because they hold character, craftsmanship, and authenticity that modern homes can't replicate.

The value comes from:

• Exposed beams
• Original hardwood floors
• Built-in cabinetry
• Clinker brick
• Lath-and-plaster walls
• Multipane windows
• Deep eaves and covered porches

When these elements are intact, buyers pay a premium.

Curb Appeal: The #1 ROI Factor

Based on my experience selling Pasadena Craftsman homes:

"It all starts with curb appeal. A fresh exterior paint job - typically in the $10,000 to $25,000 range - is worth every dollar. Pair that with the right landscaping, and the ROI in Pasadena commonly runs three to seven times the investment."

Craftsman buyers care deeply about the home's first impression. Earth-toned palettes, period-appropriate colors, and historically compatible landscaping create emotional resonance immediately.

Original Elements Always Win

"Inside the home, original features typically outperform modern replacements. You generally want to preserve original character elements."

If a home has:

• Original wood built-ins
• Natural wood trim
• Wavy glass windows
• Brick fireplaces
• Douglas fir floors

Those features should be preserved, not replaced. Even when homes have already been modernized, there are ways to reintroduce character through lighting, finishes, restoration, and curated staging.

I always tell homeowners:

"Text or call me before making renovations. Even if you're not selling, I'm happy to advise so you don't accidentally remove something that adds significant value."

It's not about gatekeeping - it's about protecting the architectural integrity that makes Pasadena so special.

Victorian Homes: Living History in Normandy Heights

Victorians are among the rarest homes in Pasadena, and the ones closest to my heart.

Personal Victorian Restoration Experience

I live in an 1890 Victorian in Normandy Heights, which I personally restored. That experience gave me a type of credibility you can't fake:

"When you've lived through the restoration of a true Victorian, you understand these homes in a very intimate and practical way that most agents just don't."

Victorian Home Characteristics

These homes require special care. They come with:

• Lath-and-plaster walls
• Original windows
• Intricate millwork
• Steep-pitched roofs
• Wraparound porches
• Antique hardware
• Era-specific structural considerations

Knowing the right craftsmen, specialists, and historic tradespeople is essential.

"I know the right specialists for every specific issue because these homes need people who understand their structure and character."

Victorian Home Value Enhancement

One of my most meaningful sales involved a Victorian home in Normandy Heights. Through strategic improvements managed by my team - including period-appropriate updates, millwork restoration, and historically sensitive enhancements - we were able to add substantial value to the property. The buyer pool for Victorian homes is emotional and discerning, and when these homes are curated correctly, buyers will pay a premium.

Note: Specific ROI varies significantly based on property condition, improvement scope, and market timing. For details on how strategic improvements can maximize your Victorian home's value, contact me for a consultation.

Mid-Century Modern Homes: Pasadena's Design Legacy

Pasadena also has a strong Mid-Century Modern presence, especially in neighborhoods like Linda Vista, parts of the Arroyo, and the hills above the Rose Bowl.

Why Mid-Century Appeals to Today's Buyers

Mid-Century buyers gravitate to:

• Clean lines
• Clerestory windows
• Open-concept spaces
• Indoor-outdoor living
• Natural materials
• Low horizontal rooflines

These homes speak directly to the Millennial and Gen-Z buyer, the demographic dominating Pasadena's current market.

The Design-Conscious Buyer

Many of today's buyers follow design accounts, appreciate architectural authenticity, and want homes that feel intentional. Mid-Century Modern homes offer that in a way other eras can't.

Buyers often say things like:

• "I want that Eichler feel."
• "I'm looking for walls of glass."
• "I want something with character but not old-fashioned."

When marketing a Mid-Century home, staging and photography must highlight its minimalist lines, natural light, and architectural geometry.

Spanish Revival Homes: Warmth, Romance & Old-World Craft

Spanish Revival homes are deeply woven into Pasadena's architectural fabric. These homes appeal to buyers who romanticize Old-World charm but still want something timeless.

Spanish Revival Signature Elements

Signature elements include:

• Arched doorways
• Tile roofs
• Smooth stucco
• Courtyards
• Hand-painted tiles
• Wrought-iron details

They work beautifully in areas like San Rafael, parts of Madison Heights, and the foothill neighborhoods where these homes feel authentic to the landscape.

Renovation Approach for Spanish Revival

Spanish Revivals respond well to curated updates, but only when those updates respect the home's soul. Over-modernizing can strip away the magic these homes naturally carry.

How We Market Architectural Homes Differently

Selling an architectural home requires a completely different playbook than selling a standard tract home.

Here's how we approach it:

1. Designer-Level Curation

"We curate homes like designers. Everything from paint colors to landscaping to staging is selected intentionally for the Pasadena buyer profile."

Because today's Pasadena buyer is often a Millennial or Gen-Z professional, they know what they want, and what feels "off." We ensure the home's aesthetic is consistent, intentional, and true to its architectural style.

2. Photography That Highlights Character

This includes:

• Macro shots of millwork
• Dramatic porch angles
• Natural-light interiors
• Period-correct vignettes
• Warm-tone editing

Character homes must feel alive.

3. Staging With Restraint

Staging should complement, not compete with, architectural elements. Original features should always be the star of the show.

4. Pricing Strategy That Drives Competition

Architectural homes often attract emotional buyers. When priced strategically (not low, not high), they create controlled bidding environments.

5. Reaching the Right Buyers

We tap into:

• Architectural communities
• Instagram design circles
• Pasadena Vibes followers
• Local preservation groups
• Buyers relocating for Pasadena's character homes

Architectural homes require curated exposure, not generic MLS blasts.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make With Architectural Homes

Here are the biggest pitfalls I see (and help my clients avoid):

1. Removing Original Character

Built-ins, trim, windows, hardware - once gone, they're almost impossible to replace authentically.

2. Over-Modernizing

Recessed lights throughout a Craftsman? Vinyl windows on a Victorian? Glossy white paint in a Spanish Revival? These mistakes can significantly impact value.

3. Choosing the Wrong Paint Colors

Color stories matter enormously for historic homes.

4. DIY Renovations

Well-intentioned but mismatched updates can unintentionally hurt the home's historical integrity.

5. Neglecting Curb Appeal

Architectural buyers often decide within 10 seconds whether the home "feels right."

6. Not Getting Expert Advice First

"I always encourage sellers to text or call me before making renovations. Even if they're not selling, I'm happy to advise so they don't accidentally remove something that adds significant value."

A quick conversation can save thousands or preserve hundreds of thousands in upside potential.

FAQ: Selling Architectural Homes in Pasadena

Q: Should I restore or modernize my Craftsman or Victorian home?

A: Restore whenever possible. Buyers typically pay a premium for authentic character. Modernize only where it enhances livability (kitchens, baths), and always in a way that respects period design. When in doubt, ask first - removing original elements can drastically reduce value.

Q: What original features add the most value?

A: Built-ins, exposed beams, hardwood floors, original windows, lath-and-plaster walls, period light fixtures, and historic millwork. These elements define architectural homes and directly influence buyer emotions and pricing.

Q: How much should I spend on exterior improvements?

A: In my experience selling Pasadena homes, $10K–$25K in exterior paint and landscaping can often return 3–7x the investment. Craftsman and Spanish Revival homes, in particular, rely heavily on curb appeal for buyer attraction. Actual ROI varies by property condition and market conditions.

Q: What's the ROI on architectural home improvements?

A: When curated correctly, the upside can be substantial. Strategic, period-appropriate improvements managed by experienced professionals can add significant value to architectural homes. The key is making improvements that honor the home's original character while enhancing livability. Contact me for a specific assessment of your property.

Q: How should I price my architectural home?

A: Architectural homes attract emotional buyers, so the strategy is nuanced. Pricing too high kills momentum; pricing too low may leave money on the table. The goal is strategic positioning for competitive demand. This requires deep knowledge of architectural home sales data and buyer psychology.

Q: What makes you qualified to sell architectural homes?

A: I've lived in Pasadena for over 13 years, restored my own 1890 Victorian, lived in Bungalow Heaven for two years, and documented architecture across the city via Pasadena Vibes (5,200+ followers, 90K+ monthly views). I understand buyers because I am the demographic - a millennial deeply connected to Pasadena's architectural story. Plus, having personally gone through Victorian restoration gives me practical knowledge most agents don't have.

Q: Do you offer free renovation advice?

A: Yes. I frequently advise homeowners before they renovate, even if they aren't planning to sell immediately. A simple call can help protect your home's value and guide strategic improvements that honor the architecture.

Q: Which Pasadena neighborhoods have the most architectural homes?

A: Bungalow Heaven (Craftsman), Madison Heights (Craftsman/Spanish), Normandy Heights (Victorian/Craftsman), Linda Vista (Mid-Century), San Rafael (Spanish Revival), and the Caltech area (varied period homes). Each neighborhood has its own architectural personality and buyer profile.

Ready to Sell Your Architectural Home?

Before you renovate, paint, or list your Pasadena architectural home, let's talk. My team specializes in maximizing value through historically mindful curation, project management, and buyer-targeted marketing.

Whether it's Craftsman, Victorian, Mid-Century, or Spanish Revival - your home has a story. I'd love to help you tell it the right way.

Contact Justin Borges:
📞 (323) 684-4421
🌐 lametrohomefinder.com
📷 Instagram: @justinborges_larealtor | @pasadenavibes
🏢 Office: eXp Realty, 680 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101

The Borges Real Estate Team specializes in architectural and character homes throughout Pasadena. Contact us for a free consultation before making any renovation decisions.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about selling architectural homes in Pasadena. Real estate market conditions, property values, renovation costs, and return on investment vary significantly based on individual property characteristics, market timing, improvement quality, and numerous other factors. ROI examples and pricing ranges mentioned are based on historical Pasadena market observations and should not be considered guaranteed outcomes.

For advice specific to your property and situation, consult with a licensed California real estate agent (Justin Borges, DRE #01940318), qualified contractors, architects specializing in historic homes, and appraisers familiar with architectural properties. Always obtain multiple professional opinions before making significant renovation investments.