Los Angeles Real Estate Blog & Market Updates

California’s balcony inspection law requires mandatory safety inspections of balconies, decks, stairways, and walkways on residential buildings with three or more units where those structures are more than six feet above the ground and rely on wood for structural support. Two laws govern this: SB 326 for condominiums and HOA properties, and SB 721 for apartment buildings. All initial inspections were due by January 1, 2026. If you’re buying, owning, or renting in a qualifying

Selling a home you have lived in for 35 or 40+ years requires a different approach than a typical sale. The emotional attachment is real and deserves respect, the updates should be minimal and strategic rather than a full renovation, and the financial considerations (including capital gains, Proposition 19 tax transfers, and estate planning) need to be addressed before you list. The right advisor will walk you through all of it with patience and care.

Multiple offers on a Los Angeles home do not automatically mean the highest price wins. The strongest offer is the one with the best combination of price, terms, contingencies, and certainty of closing. Sellers need to evaluate the full picture, and buyers need a strategy that goes beyond just raising their number.

Mortgage brokers usually offer buyers more flexibility and a wider range of loan programs than banks, but banks can still be the right choice when a buyer already has a strong relationship with their existing bank. The smartest move is to get at least three quotes and compare them side by side.

Yes, open houses still help sell homes when they are run thoughtfully, and with the new buyer representation rules, they matter more now than they have in years. They are not right for every seller or every home, and safety and preparation always have to come first.

Most buyers in Los Angeles can go from starting the process to keys in hand in about 60 to 100 days, depending on preparation and how specific their search criteria are. The biggest factors that slow things down are skipping pre-approval upfront and making large purchases during escrow.

• You do not have to sell your current home before buying a new one. There are several ways to make it work. • A cross collateral loan lets you use the equity in your current home to purchase your next one without a traditional down payment. • Selling with contingencies and negotiating possession terms can create breathing room for a smoother transition. • Every situation is different. The right approach depends on your timeline, your finances, and your comfort leve