Pasadena Washington Square Landmark District
2016 Market Update
This is a real estate market activity report for the Washington Square Landmark District in Pasadena. In this report, I will share a recap of sales for 2016 with a comparison to the previous four years. Statistical information in 
this report has been gathered from our local multiple listing service(mls) records and may not reflect all transactions in the community.
Established in 2003 as the second such district in Pasadena, the neighborhood is comprised of approximately 250 homes. The homes were generally built between 1910 and 1940 representing a variety of architectural styles on pretty tree-lined streets. The Northeast Pasadena location has relatively easy access abundant shopping, dining, cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
The historic district’s boundaries are primarily north of Mountain Avenue, the east side of El Molino Avenue as the western border, south of Washington Boulevard and Hudson Avenue on the east.
Since Washington Square has been established as a Pasadena landmark district, qualifying homes may be eligible for significant property tax credits.
Located in the northwest part of the neighborhood is the 5.2 acre Washington Park which was planted with an abundant variety of native California plants and trees. The park includes playground equipment, picnic areas as well as handball, tennis, baseball and basketball. There is a small parking lot off Washington Boulevard.
There were eight mls-reported sales in 2016 ranging from $480,000 to $675,000 with an average sales price of $608,000(median sales price $630,000). They sold on average at 99.86% of last list price and for $521.14 per square foot. Inventory remained a challenge in Washington Square and as of this report, there are no homes available for sale and none in escrow.
Sales activity was strong in 2015 with closed transactions reported. They ranged from $525,000 to $775,000 with an average price of $632,500(median $639,500). They sold at 107.92% of last list price and for an average sales price per square foot of $536.82. Ten of those twelve transactions sold above list price. Number eleven sold at list price.
In 2014, there were just three sales ranging from $549,000 to $643,000 with an average price of $597,000(median $599,000). They sold at 101.99% of last list price and for $318.17 per square foot on average.
There were five sales in 2013 which ranged from $428,000 to $650,000 with an average sales price of $500,100(median $470,000). They sold at 101.7% of last list price and for $408.94 per square foot on average.
Nine properties sold in 2012. Ranging in sales price from $300,000 to $670,000 with an average price of $433,161(median $450,000). Seven of those homes sold in excess of list price.
As previously stated, inventory of homes on the market for sale remains an issue for prospective buyers. People in Pasadena are drawn to the character homes found here.
As is the case in many historic Pasadena neighborhoods, the condition of the homes can and do vary greatly so this has an obvious impact on prices. Inventory of properties for sale in this small neighborhood continue to be limited, so prospective buyers need to be well-prepared knowing that they may be competing in multiple offer situation. That said, prospective sellers 
eed to be mindful of pricing and presentation when preparing their properties for sale. This is especially true when a home initially “hits” the maker as a “new listing”. The nuances of a given market can be quite subtle.
If you would like to know more about Washington Square or any Pasadena historic neighborhood whether you are thinking of buying or selling I suggest that you contact me. I can be reached at 818.516.4393 cell. Let’s discuss what is important to you.
Published: January 9, 2017
Pasadena Washington Square Landmark District
2016 Market Update
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