All Forum Posts by: Eric Dowling

@Colton Kennelly to get started I would start checking out the neighborhoods online as best you can.  The LA Times has a crime map which comes in handy. Greatschools.com if schools are important. Wikipedia has info on cities and demographics.

Ask on the forums about specific neighborhoods, there are a lot of people in LA on here and everybody knows a certain neighborhood the best.

@Colton Kennelly I agree with David, it's not a bad idea to rent first.

That doesn't mean your way won't work. If you do enough due diligence and come out here more than just once you will be fine, I see people do it quite often.

@Colton Kennelly you are absolutely on the right track by getting pre approved. Once you are able to get out here and get to know the area and neighborhoods you will be able to work with an agent and move much more quickly on properties since you will already have an idea of the neighborhood.

Work with an agent who understands how to negotiate and compete in this market, and know that it still may take a few offers before you get one accepted.

Check out Hawthorne, Gardena and Carson as well for your price range.

@Colton Kennelly

The reason LA is a "crazy market" is just there is low inventory so houses are regularly going for over ask and just a few days on market. There is a lot of competition right now.

I would suggest visiting and finding the right neighborhood. There is no way to know a neighborhood is right by viewing it online, and having an agent or someone else look at property for you as a primary residence is just asking for trouble.

@Colton Kennelly welcome to BP and a future welcome to LA!

There are a lot of choices for you and a lot of it will depend on what your goals are and your budget.

Westcheater is a great neighborhood that is currently seeing a boost from the tech industry moving in right next door in Playa Vista. Just inland is Inglewood and it is also on the upswing and becoming more and more of a desirable area. it is also more affordable.

There are lots of neighborhoods in LA, so if you give us some more info we can help suggest areas.

@Ryan Montes you can just use something like Redfin to search for properties, they have the same info for rents in the details as the MLS.

Go over to the files section of bigger pockets and find a good simple calculator to download. Then you can analyze deals quickly and easily.

@Phil Suarez what type of property are you looking at? I own and manage vacation rentals there, so I have a lot of knowledge in that area of the market.

@Armand P. I'm an agent here in LA and would love to sit down and see how I can help you. Let's set up a time this week if your available.

@Charlotte Moore  Nicholas answered your questions perfectly.

I will add that I am with Keller Williams and they have offered wonderful training. The state exam does not teach you how to sell real estate, so joining a brokerage who's focus is on training is very important.

Megan Arzt depends on your market. I would absolutely list on HomeAway, but your subscription level should be decided by the market. If there are hundreds or thousands in your area then I go platinum to get the most exposure. If there's only 25 then I would go basic.