Teresa Fuller: Inside Altadena’s post-fire real estate market

Written By Jan Brzeski

Teresa Fuller is a top-producing real estate agent in the Pasadena area with over two decades of experience. A former corporate sales and marketing professional, she’s been a full-time Realtor since 2002 and brings hands-on expertise as a successful investor, renovator, and restorer of historic homes. Teresa is known for her sharp negotiation skills, standout property marketing, and results-driven approach. Her listings have been featured in LA Times Hot Property, Haute Living, and earned the Dwell designation. Formerly Sotheby’s Pasadena’s #1 agent, she now leads at Compass. A proud Altadena resident, Teresa has served her community through multiple boards and local organizations, blending business savvy with deep civic engagement.

In this episode Jan and Teresa discuss:

  • The dual market of standing structures and lot sales post-wildfire in Altadena

  • Current buyer trends and developer activity in the fire zone

  • Pricing pressures, market absorption, inventory shifts, and how these factors contribute to a buyer’s market

  • The future of architectural design, green space, and modular development in Altadena

  • The importance of commercial corridors and defensible space planning for long-term revitalization

Key Takeaways: 

  • Teresa Fuller brings a rare perspective to Altadena’s recovery—she endured a standing structure loss, lost a commercial building, and has been personally displaced. Her first-hand experience equips her to guide clients through every stage of the rebuilding process with empathy and precision.

  • The post-fire real estate landscape in Altadena has split into two distinct and evolving markets: one for vacant lots and another for surviving structures. Each comes with its own set of challenges, pricing dynamics, and buyer types.

  • Due to an influx of available lots and a slowdown in sales, pricing has faced notable downward pressure. This shift has turned the area into a competitive buyer’s market, particularly for those looking to build from the ground up.

  • A new wave of interest is reshaping the local market—ranging from aspiring first-time home builders and architectural collectives to retirees downsizing into custom homes. These diverse buyers are helping drive Altadena’s transformation forward.

  • Looking ahead, Teresa envisions a revitalized Altadena defined by thoughtful design, sustainability, and community-centered development. Solar integration, modular homes, and creative use of green and defensible space will all play a role in shaping its future identity.

“So I have a total loss, a standing structure, and a lease loss. So personally, I really have experienced the gamut of what the Eaton fire can bring. And I’ve personally experienced the gamut of what needs to be solved to move forward, so I feel that I and my team are uniquely qualified to understand and help people through the process.” 

- Teresa Fuller

Connect with Teresa Fuller:

Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/teresa-fuller/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-fuller-b253602b/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresafullerrealestate/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@teresafullerrealestate 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

Email: pr@scipfinance.com 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Jan Brzeski
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