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.
Can a buyer still back out after inspecting?
Usually, within the contingency period written into the contract. That is why sellers who share reports early tend to see fewer surprises late in escrow.
When does a repair make sense?
When it costs less than the discount buyers would ask for, or when a lender would refuse the loan without it. Otherwise, price for condition.
What Duarte rules and costs come up in an as-is sale?
Duarte runs a Pre-Approved ADU Program: standard ADU plans already approved by Building and Safety shorten design and permit time, but no changes to the plans are allowed. (cityofduarte.ca.gov) When the deed records, the buyer files a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report; the LA County Registrar-Recorder's fee schedule says that without it 'the recorder may charge an additional recording fee' ($20). (lavote.gov) The LA County Registrar-Recorder lists the county documentary transfer tax at $1.10 per $1,000 of value, and Duarte 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 does it cost to sell as-is?
Commission, escrow and title fees, the transfer tax and any credits you choose to give (LA County Registrar-Recorder). The amount or rate of real estate commissions is not fixed by law. They are set by each broker individually and may be negotiable between the seller and broker. Skipping repairs removes contractor bills, not closing costs. A short pricing conversation before listing helps: compare two or three recent sales that needed work with two that were updated, and the gap shows roughly what buyers subtract for the project.
Last reviewed by Sidney Manzo · About Sidney
Questions
What do Duarte owners ask?
- Can buyers still inspect?
- Yes. Inspections are standard even when no repairs are offered. Sidney Manzo (in real estate since 1990) helps you get ahead of inspection findings. Talk with Sidney about your Duarte home
- Can I sell with tenants in place?
- Yes, though occupied homes need notice before showings, and tenant rights continue. In real estate since 1990, Sidney schedules showings around occupants. Talk with Sidney about your Duarte home
- Will an FHA or VA buyer want repairs?
- Possibly. Those loans have property standards, so some offers may ask for safety fixes. Sidney Manzo, in real estate since 1990, screens offers for loan type early. Talk with Sidney about your Duarte home
- Do I need to empty the house first?
- Not legally, but an emptied, clean house shows and photographs better. Sidney, in real estate since 1990, connects sellers with clean-out help. Talk with Sidney about your Duarte home
- Is a quick estimate available?
- Yes. Recent comparable Duarte sales, adjusted for condition, set a likely range. Sidney, in real estate since 1990, provides it without charge. Get my free home review
Sources
Sources
- cityofduarte.ca.gov: pre approved adu program (accessed October 13, 2026)
- lavote.gov: fees (accessed October 13, 2026)
- lavote.gov: general info (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.