5 Real Estate Tips for Finding Your Next Home in L.A.
If you’re looking to purchase property in Los Angeles, take it from these real estate professionals.
The City of Angels is a place everybody wants to live, and for a good reason.
Whether it’s the weather, Hollywood, yoga studios, trendy dining or the coffee shops, this city virtually has it all — combining location and activities, glitz and glamor, creatives and entertainment.
To help you in the home buying process, we asked a handful of L.A. real estate professionals to give us their best in-the-market advice for La La Land.
1. Look at the bones of the property.
“There are so many questionable flips out there right now, and we are fortunate to live in an area that has a plethora of older, character-rich homes. While those homes may need work, their materials are likely far superior and stronger than anything that can be found today.
“Also, try to look past fancy staging and consider the home from the curb, the light, the neighborhood. Likely it will be difficult to replicate a professional stager or designer’s great looks, and homebuyers need to remember how they live. Is the living room large enough for dogs? Is there a den to accommodate the new baby and the playset?
“Homes that are professionally designed aim to capture buyers and suck them into that staged lifestyle.”
— Mary Regal, Regal Nest
2. Use the help of a professional for guidance.
“Most buyers tend to start their search online using the various real estate websites. They should simultaneously be speaking with a lender and a licensed real estate agent.
“These professionals can help guide the buyer through the offer process and strategically put them in a winning position. A well-informed customer with the right team backing them stands a far greater chance of getting their offer accepted in a multiple-offer scenario.”
— Brian Courville, Modern Living L.A.
3. Get your ducks in a row.
“By that, I mean pay off some credit cards to improve your credit score, get your down payment ready, and be ready to act fast by knowing what you want. The best deals go fast, and those who can act quickly often end up with the property.”
— Alma Lam, PSL Realty
4. Find something that speaks to you.
“To determine what your most important needs and wants are, compare what you are willing to pay and how far you are willing to stretch; then, compare that to what you pay now.
“From there, be patient. Find someone who is actually willing to search. Sometimes there are diamonds in the rough out there that people pass on, which could wind up being your dream home. I always think of the potential.”
— Laura Epstein, Cottage Industry L.A.
5. Don’t get discouraged.
“Try not to make a decision based on cosmetic items that can be easily changed — like the paint colors, floors or countertops. Focus on things that cannot be modified or will take more of an investment — location, layout, long-term potential — and you will be happier in the long run!
“Although you may not find your Los Angeles dream home right away, and might run into a few bumps along the way, don’t get discouraged. Follow these tips, take your time, enlist in the help of a professional, and make sure you invest in something you fall in love with!”
— Soffi & Kacey, The South Bay Sisters
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