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.
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.
Which city and county rules apply here?
Monterey Park's Citizen Access portal lets owners 'view records from October 1997 to current'; older records 'may be viewed during the Building and Safety Counter hours or request digital copies through a public records request.' (montereypark.ca.gov) The LA County Registrar-Recorder lists the county documentary transfer tax at $1.10 per $1,000 of value, and Monterey Park 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. LA County's recording fee list includes a $20 'Fee in Lieu of' a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report when a Monterey Park deed is recorded without one, so escrow usually collects the form from the buyer. (lavote.gov)
How long does an as-is sale take?
Financing sets the pace. Conventional loans often need 30 to 45 days in escrow; FHA or VA loans may require certain repairs, which affects which offers fit. Photos and the written description should be honest about condition. Listings that name the work needed tend to attract purchasers who already budgeted for it, which can mean fewer cancellations once inspections come back.
Last reviewed by Sidney Manzo · About Sidney
Questions
What do Monterey Park owners ask?
- Do I have to disclose problems if I sell as-is?
- Yes. As-is limits repairs, not disclosure duties; this is general information (Civ. Code §1102). Sidney, in real estate since 1990, walks you through the disclosure forms. Talk with Sidney about your Monterey Park home
- Should I order a pre-listing inspection?
- Often, yes; it shows known issues up front. Sidney Manzo (in real estate since 1990) recommends inspectors and shares reports with buyers. Talk with Sidney about your Monterey Park home
- Do I need to empty the house first?
- Not legally, but an emptied, clean house shows and photographs better. In real estate since 1990, Sidney connects sellers with clean-out help. Talk with Sidney about your Monterey Park home
- What if the roof or foundation has problems?
- Disclose them and price for them; some buyers specialize in that kind of work (Civ. Code §1102). Sidney Manzo, in real estate since 1990, gets repair estimates buyers can see. Talk with Sidney about your Monterey Park 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 Monterey Park owners. Get my free home review
Sources
Sources
- montereypark.ca.gov: Building Safety (accessed October 13, 2026)
- lavote.gov: general info (accessed October 13, 2026)
- lavote.gov: fees (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.