The Rise of Zillow and Death of the Real Estate Agent

Where are the most amazing lofts at the best prices? And how does it all work?  The answers to these all-important questions are changing every day as the pace of new technology accelerates. The L.A. Loft Blog is always among the first authoritative media to discuss the changes in the real estate industry, especially those rare, valuable and challenging insights that some prefer not to think about.

AirBNB is today's King of Real Estate
AirBNB is today’s King of Short Term Rental Real Estate

There’s more money than ever at stake in Downtown Los Angeles housing. The astute observers pay close attention while the movers and shakers benefit from these major changes in the housing market. Compare the number of Google searches of real estate, AirBNB and Zillow:

Homes now sell faster when the buyer’s agent receives less commission.  Yes, the property actually has fewer days on market and a quicker sale transaction when the buyer’s licensed real estate professional is offered less of the shared percentage, while homes are now really selling slower when that commission is higher.  This is one of several indicators that point to the fact that Zillow, Trulia and other major online real estate websites have home search functions that are diminishing the needs for a buyer’s agent. Zillow is blowing away real estate agents.  #airbnb #zillow #realestate

Nobody has really ever been particularly interested in real estate agents. They seem to show up sooner or later as the home buyers or sellers kind of know that they still need one to make sure that all of the buyers see all of the appropriate homes, and agents help negotiate the best price and terms, while helping take care of the massive stack of paperwork that is required in litigation-crazy California.

Just as it is clear the AirBNB is beginning to nibble at the hotel pie (average AirBNB stay is 4 days, compared to average hotel state of 2 days), Zillow is now slurping down huge pools of cash from what was once the grips of buyer’s agents. More than 20% of real estate investors are now seeking properties that can easily be rented out on AirBNB.  Most Downtown condo lofts are not efficient for AirBNB because of strict HOA homeowners rules that do not permit such short rentals.

There are some sectors of real estate that Zillow and Trulia do not compete well.  Those are the ultra-local, specialized markets like Downtown Los Angeles lofts such as historic Mills Act lofts with property tax benefits, L.A. Adaptive Re-Use Ordinance buildings with lofts for lease, 2-story lofts, live/work lofts and industrial buildings.

Get a free list of Mills Act homes for sale in Los Angeles. Fill out the online form:

LOFT & CONDO LISTINGS DOWNTOWN L.A.  [MAP]

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Zillow overtakes Real Estate industry
Zillow overtakes Real Estate industry

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.

Unwarrantable Condo Loans, Lenders and Financing of Downtown Los Angeles Live/Work Lofts

LOFT LOANS:  UNWARRANTBLE CONDOS

Unwarrantable Downtown Loft Condos
Unwarrantable Condo Loans and Lenders

Some Downtown L.A. loft condo buildings such as SB Grand lofts and a few others have issues that can make it difficult to finance units in the building. The reasons often involve high renter ratio, mixed-use, industrial or commercial buildings and incomplete or minimal HOA financial documents.  Can buyers get a mortgage in these buildings?  #unwarrantable #condos #dtla

Yes, it can be done. When a condo project is deemed non-warrantable, the choices that exist will usually come at slightly higher mortgage rates and fees than a conforming or “warrantable” loan.  The lender generally needs to have appropriate portfolio investor connections or investors “in house” that make exceptions for non-warrantable condos. The DTLA agents and brokers who specialize in these most challenging of lofts only know of 2 or 3 lenders who can make it happen.

Get a free list of loft lenders. Fill out the online form:

LOFT & CONDO LISTINGS DOWNTOWN L.A.  [MAP]

Lofts For Sale     Lofts For Rent Lease Downtown Los Angeles DTLA    

SEARCH LOFTS FOR SALE:  Affordable  |  Popular  |   Luxury
Browse by Building  |  Neighborhood  |  Size  |  Bedrooms  |  Pets  |  Parking

Unwarrantable condo financing loans
Financing of Downtown Los Angeles Live/Work Lofts

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.