Choose a Real Estate Agent
Buying a property requires making many important financial decisions, understanding complex issues and completing a lot of paperwork. It helps to have an expert in your corner when undertaking such a large purchase. We can guide you through this process, and also provide you with access to property listings before they hit the general market.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your real estate professional:
- Look for a full-time agent – one who has experience completing transactions similar to yours.
- Interview a few agents: Are they familiar with the area in which you are interested?
- Ask how much time the agent will have for you, and if they are available at night and on weekends.
- Ask about their credentials and education: A good agent will continually strive to improve and gain knowledge of the latest real estate trends and hold the highest designations in their respective fields of expertise.
- Does the agent return your calls promptly? Time is money when attempting to buy a property.
- Ask for a list of properties they have sold or a list of references.
- Choose an agent who listens attentively to your needs and concerns. Pick an agent, with whom you feel comfortable.
Buyers guide FAQs – Los Angeles
The first step is to review your finances, talk with a local LA‑area lender, and get pre‑approved so you know what price range and neighborhoods are realistic for your budget.
From accepted offer to closing, most LA home purchases take about 30–45 days, depending on your financing, inspections, appraisal, and how quickly everyone signs and returns documents.
Yes, a dedicated LA buyer’s agent tracks new CRMLS listings, analyzes value, writes competitive offers, negotiates terms, and guides you through disclosures, inspections, and closing.
Many LA buyers put 10–20% down, but some conventional and FHA loans allow as little as about 3% down if you qualify, while jumbo or higher‑priced homes may require larger down payments.
LA buyers typically pay closing costs of roughly 2–4% of the purchase price, including lender fees, title and escrow services, appraisal, recording charges, and prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance.
Yes, a professional home inspection is strongly recommended to uncover structural, safety, or systems issues that may not be visible during showings and could affect your decisions or negotiations.
Yes, many lenders and programs in California and LA support first‑time buyers, and approval will depend on your credit profile, income, debts, and any down‑payment assistance you qualify for.
Yes, self‑employed buyers purchase in LA all the time, but lenders usually review at least two years of tax returns, business income, and bank statements to document stable income.
Many lenders prefer your total housing payment to stay around one‑third of your gross monthly income or less, even in a higher‑cost market like LA.