Hi, I'm Derek Vaughan
Over the past decade I have established myself as one of the top real estate investors and a top realtor in South Pasadena. I pride myself on the highest levels of service and local real estate knowledge. My work ethic is epic. Here’s a bit more about me and my South Pasadena real estate expertise.
Resident of South Pasadena since 1998 – I first moved to South Pasadena in 1998 when we bought a 1903 Craftsman home near Trader Joe’s. My children attended South Pasadena Schools (Arroyo Vista Elementary, South Pasadena Middle School, South Pasadena High School) through until graduation. As a long time resident of South Pasadena I am intimately familiar with every street and neighborhood here. I’ve been in a lot of the homes here and helped to buy and sell many more.
My Grandfather was a real estate developer and my mother owned a real estate brokerage. I have been around and involved with real estate since I was a child. My personal experience in real estate investing started in 1993. I have been a real estate investor, landlord, developer and now a residential realtor in South Pasadena.
Prior to my career in real estate I owned and sold several businesses as an entrepreneur and also worked as a digital marketer at The Walt Disney Company.
I am a huge fan of education and hold undergraduate degrees from both Purdue University and Indiana University. I have also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Vanderbilt University with a dual focus in marketing and finance.
My Accomplishments
Charitable and Foundation Work in South Pasadena
Board Member of The Oneonta Foundation – The Oneonta Foundation distributes over $30,000 in scholarships each year to South Pasadena High School students to pay for college.
Board Member of Vecinos de South Pasadena – Vecinos is a group that focuses on Latino high school students in South Pasadena. Last year we granted $8,000 in scholarships to Latino and Latina graduating South Pasadena High School seniors.
Contributor to SPARC for arts scholarships – The South Pasadena Arts Council is an organization focused on the arts in South Pasadena. I have donated countless hours to SPARC to help with art openings and fundraising events. I have also donated monies that go to fund scholarships for South Pasadena students attending college and studying the arts.
Contributor to SPEF – The South Pasadena Educational Foundation helps close the gap between public funding and the true needs of our South Pasadena Schools. I have been a contributor and sponsor of SPEF for decades.
Member of the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer at The Chamber of Commerce information booth at the South Pasadena Farmer’s Market each Thursday – The South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce promotes and assists the businesses which reside in South Pasadena. The Chamber also organizes and oversees the weekly Farmer’s Market. I donate my time each Thursday to work at the Chamber of Commerce booth at the market. You can easily find me there on any given Thursday.
Volunteer at Union Station Homeless Services in Pasadena – Union Station Homeless Services is our local resource for those who don’t have a stable living situation. There is so much need in Los Angeles for housing, and my efforts are part of the push to make sure everyone is properly housed – regardless of their current income.
Real Estate Editor for The South Pasadena News – I am out and about in South Pasadena every day talking with residents about real estate for sale and trends in local real estate. You can check out a few of my articles here:
424 Fremont Avenue is For Sale
415 Oaklawn Avenue Transitions South Pasadena History to new owners
In my youth, I was a High School All-American in swimming. I was a CIF Gold Medalist, held U.S. Age Group records, state records, and was also a multiple National Junior Olympic gold medalist. I know what it means to make a commitment and accomplish goals.
Client Testimonials
