Rebuilding LA After the Fires

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


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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 the 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: [email protected] 

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



Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama


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

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Rebuilding LA After the FiresBy Jan Brzeski