General information, not legal or tax advice. Sidney works alongside your attorney and CPA. Rules as of October 13, 2026; they change, so check the official sources listed below.
How is an as-is contract different?
The paperwork is standard; the difference is the seller's position on requests. You may still choose to grant a credit, but nothing obliges you to fix anything.
What low-cost prep pays off?
Hauling away clutter, trimming landscaping and replacing burned-out bulbs. Those steps help photos and cost little compared with a remodel.
What should buyers of a Covina fixer expect locally?
Covina protects oaks with a trunk diameter of at least 10 inches as heritage trees; damaging or removing one needs a Tree Preservation Permit ($1,128 for one tree, $2,205 for more than one). (covinaca.gov) Covina's Building & Safety FAQ defines a legal non-conforming property as one that 'was legally constructed, but does not conform to current code provisions and standards,' so certain additions and modifications must meet the current zoning code; its example is a garage with a 1-foot rear setback that, if rebuilt as a two-story garage, would have to meet current setbacks. (covinaca.gov) The LA County Registrar-Recorder lists the county documentary transfer tax at $1.10 per $1,000 of value, and Covina is not one of the five cities that add a city rate (Culver City, Los Angeles, Pomona, Redondo Beach and Santa Monica). (lavote.gov) Ask your escrow officer or a real estate attorney who pays the transfer tax under your purchase contract.
What if the house is vacant?
Keep it secured, insured and maintained during marketing; some cities also require registering long-vacant homes, as the local rules above note.
Last reviewed by Sidney Manzo · About Sidney
Questions
What do Covina owners ask?
- Do I have to disclose problems if I sell as-is?
- Yes. Known material defects still go on the disclosure forms, whatever the repair terms (Civ. Code §1102). In real estate since 1990, Sidney walks you through the disclosure forms. Talk with Sidney about your Covina home
- What about unpermitted additions?
- Disclose them; some lenders and appraisers discount unpermitted space (Civ. Code §1102). Sidney Manzo, in real estate since 1990, prices homes with unpermitted work. Talk with Sidney about your Covina home
- What if the roof or foundation has problems?
- Price for the repair, share any reports, and expect contractor-led buyers. Sidney, in real estate since 1990, gets repair estimates buyers can see. Talk with Sidney about your Covina home
- How fast can an as-is sale close?
- Speed depends on buyer financing; complete disclosures help escrow move (Civ. Code §1102). Sidney Manzo (in real estate since 1990) collects reports up front. Talk with Sidney about your Covina home
- How do I find my home's as-is value?
- A comparative market analysis of similar-condition sales nearby gives the range. Sidney Manzo, in real estate since 1990, prepares one free for Covina owners. Get my free home review
Sources
Sources
- covinaca.gov: planning (accessed October 13, 2026)
- covinaca.gov: frequently asked questions (accessed October 13, 2026)
- lavote.gov: general info (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Civ. Code §1102 (seller disclosures) (accessed October 13, 2026)
Your agent
Who reviews your home?
Sidney Manzo, Agent, CA DRE #01108914.
- In real estate since 1990
- 155+ closed sales
- RE/MAX Hall of Fame
- Member, Pasadena Association of REALTORS® and C.A.R.
RE/MAX Dream Properties (ASLG Inc), CA DRE #02142193
Last reviewed by Sidney Manzo.