Never Buy a Building with a Non-Conforming Unit

I was once in escrow to buy what I thought was a 16 unit building on Clinton St. in Echo Park, one unit in which was “non-conforming”. The owner had taken a common room and turned it into a studio apartment. The listing broker assured me that this was pretty normal in LA and, indeed, … Continue reading “Never Buy a Building with a Non-Conforming Unit”

Who to bring with you to an inspection

Once you get a property under contract, the clock starts on your physical inspection period (also called the “due diligence” or “contingency” period). This is the period, usually 10-14 days, during which you check the physical condition of the property. But most buyers aren’t experts in looking at all of the systems (foundation, roof, electric, … Continue reading “Who to bring with you to an inspection”