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.
What do buyers of fixers look for?
Solid structure, workable floor plans and clear records. Many bring a contractor to the showing and price their own remodel before writing an offer.
Should you fix anything at all?
Only items that block a loan or scare off showings, such as active leaks, missing handrails or broken windows. Cosmetic choices can be left to the purchaser.
Which city and county rules apply here?
Glendale's Historic District Overlay Ordinance (Municipal Code 30.25) sets design review for homes in official historic districts, and its Historic Preservation Ordinance (15.20) covers properties on the Glendale Register. (glendaleca.gov) Glendale's Demolition Review Ordinance (15.22) applies to demolishing buildings over 30 years old that are not part of a development project, and the City may require further review. (glendaleca.gov) The LA County Registrar-Recorder lists the county documentary transfer tax at $1.10 per $1,000 of value, and Glendale 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.
Can unpermitted work stop a sale?
Not by itself, but it must be disclosed and can limit financing or appraisal (Civ. Code §1102). Pulling the permit history early shows what is on record. Keep receipts for anything replaced in recent years, such as a water heater, roof or electrical panel. Buyers of older homes read those records closely, and they can narrow the discount offered for condition.
Last reviewed by Sidney Manzo · About Sidney
Questions
What do Glendale owners ask?
- Can buyers still inspect?
- Yes, and most do, usually during a contingency period. Sidney Manzo, in real estate since 1990, helps you get ahead of inspection findings. Talk with Sidney about your Glendale home
- What about unpermitted additions?
- Disclose them; some lenders and appraisers discount unpermitted space (Civ. Code §1102). Sidney, in real estate since 1990, prices homes with unpermitted work. Talk with Sidney about your Glendale home
- Can I sell with tenants in place?
- Often, with proper notice for showings and respect for tenant protections (Cal. Civ. Code §1954). Sidney Manzo (in real estate since 1990) schedules showings around occupants. Talk with Sidney about your Glendale home
- What if the roof or foundation has problems?
- Price for the repair, share any reports, and expect contractor-led buyers. In real estate since 1990, Sidney gets repair estimates buyers can see. Talk with Sidney about your Glendale home
- Is a quick estimate available?
- Yes. Recent comparable Glendale 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
- glendaleca.gov: historic preservation ordinances and general plan element (accessed October 13, 2026)
- lavote.gov: general info (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Civ. Code §1102 (seller disclosures) (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Cal. Civ. Code §1954 (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.