False Information about Lofts and Condos in Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown is dangerous! That has been occasionally true, especially when visitors and residents do not have all of the best information. Living and working in Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods can be quite safe, efficient and really fun when we have access to the right knowledge. Providing accurate information is of paramount importance to buyer, sellers, renters, landlords and real estate professionals. #lofts #millsact

 

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Because lofts are among the more complicated properties to deal with, they can be more difficult to figure out, and more challenging to understand.  Involved with tough issues such as the Los Angeles Adaptive Re-Use Ordinance, Mills Act, lawsuits, litigation, unwarrantable buildings, incomplete financials, dwindling reserves, lending issues, FHA/VA conflicts, homeless issues, lawlessness neighborhoods, live/work designation confusion, special assessments, new construction, changing skylines, rapid growth, gentrification — just to name a few issues, lofts can be quite a handful as far as providing and receiving accurate information.

Take Alta Lofts as a recent example.  A for sale listing recently stated that Alta Lofts is a Mills Act approved historic loft building, which it most certainly is not. Being an Alta lofts resident, I pay county property taxes on the property, have been involved with more than 10 transactions in the building, and I’m an Alta loft specialist real estate professional. Only approved historic buildings with original facade and windows intact are eligible for Mills Act tax benefits. Prospective residents should check with an attorney, tax professional and Los Angeles County regarding Mills Act.

Sellers are required to provide accurate information and to disclose any information about conditions that could affect the value of the home. Some sellers wrongly believe that they can get more money for the property and protect themselves by using an out-of-area agent to sell the home because the agent does not know about all of the downsides and defects. The reverse is true of course. A local specialist who knows the pros and cons of the building can protect the seller by properly disclosing information and by correctly selling the benefits of the property and the upsides of its condition. A local specialist real estate professional is the best protection for a buyer as well, and the buyer can get the very best assistance at no cost to the buyer because the seller pays for the buyer’s agent.

To avoid buying, renting or selling a property with inaccurate information, prospective residents can also request any type of information free from the L.A. Loft Blog. Fill out my online form. Fill out the online form:

LOFT & CONDO LISTINGS DOWNTOWN LA  [MAP]

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Alta Loft For Sale 200 N San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Alta is most definitely NOT Mills Act approved. Check out the modern facade and windows.

Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog and LAcondoInfo.com with information provided by Corey Chambers, Realty Source Inc, BRE#01889449 We are not associated with the homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact (213) 880-9910 or visit LAcondoInfo.com  Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.

10 Mistakes to Avoid when Buying a Loft, Condo or House in the Downtown Los Angeles Area

Before seeing homes or meeting with a real estate agent, prospective Downtown LA home buyers should be aware of some of the most common problems and how to avoid them.

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These problems include: lawsuits, litigation, loft and condo lending problems, getting trapped by a real estate agent, missing out on the best deals, losing out to other buyers, failing to negotiate the best price and terms, delays due to failed inspections, HOA move-in delays, unpermitted improvements, risk of losing deposit and no electricity. Here’s how to make the home buying process go more smoothly and to profit in DTLA:

10 IMPORTANT HOME BUYING TIPS:

The #1 mistake that we have seen since 2011 is prospective buyers delaying a home purchase. Prices have been going up about 1% every 6 months for the last several years, with rents going up about the same. Homeowners have gained an average of more than $200,000 in equity, while renters have really lost out in terms of net worth.

Place the highest and best offer on the very first day of a listing. Prices and terms are negotiable. Buyers may ask the seller to pay some of the expenses such as closing costs. If buyers asks for too much, they may lose to another offer.  Buyers should get a list of comps, recently sold comparable homes, in the building or neighborhood so that he buyer can see first hand what buyers have paid recently for a similar home. #dtla #buyermistakes

Most purchases entail delays and unexpected miscellaneous expenses. Some transactions fail after incurring expenses for the prospective buyer. Some borrowers are unable to obtain financing. Loft purchase may require a loft specialist lender.  They can be found at www.LALoftLoan.com.

Delays are common. Be sure to allow plenty of extra time for moving, and extra money for unanticipated costs.

Ensure that the seller has installed a carbon monoxide detector before the inspections.

For condos, HOA move in fee, move out fee and HOA move in security deposit are often required; ask HOA for details. A move in appointment and information form is required by most HOAs. Contact the HOA well in advance to make move in arrangements.

For houses, always ask seller for any permits pertaining to additions and major improvements. Buyers can get a free floor plan at MyFloorPlanFree.com.

Removing contingencies places the buyer’s deposit at risk. Do not sign off on all contingencies until sure that the transaction will be completed. Buyers must usually remove contingencies before seller completes repairs.

Electricity may be turned off before or right after the purchase. Order utilities in advance of move-in.

Buyer’s can avoid most mistakes simply by hiring at no cost a Downtown area specialist who is knowlegable about the buildings and neighborhood issues.  A good local agent will take down the buyer’s home buying criteria, to help to get priority access to hot new listings, to aid the buyer in receiving proprietary information such as unlisted properties, and to show several homes when possible.  A free home buyer consultation is the first step to a successful home purchase.

Buyers should pay nothing for this service, and there should be no obligation to buy a home. To expedite the process, buyers should give the agent proof of funds (a statement of an account with some down payment funds, black out the account number). Also, buyers will get priority service from agents and owners if buyer is preapproved for a loan. Get a free list of Downtown loft lenders who can finance a live-work loft, Mills Act loft, and other homes converted under the Los Angeles Adaptive Re-Use Ordinance. Fill out the online form:

UTILITIES DOWNTOWN L.A.

Call DWP to turn on electricity
ladwp.com
800-dial-dwp

SoCal gas
1-800-427-2200

Cable tv is usually
http://www.timewarnercable.com/
888-tw-cable
(or)
AerioConnect http://www.aerioconnect.com

LOFT & CONDO LISTINGS DOWNTOWN LA  [MAP]

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SEARCH LOFTS FOR SALE UNDER $400,000  |  $800,000,  |   $30,000,000
Browse by Building  |  Neighborhood  |  Size  |  Bedrooms  |  Pets  |  Parking  |  More

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