Answers by Lily Galadzhyan

In most condominiums, you don't own the land beneath the building individually. Instead, all condo owners collectively own the land and common areas through the homeowners association (HOA), while you own your individual unit and an undivided interest in the shared property.

HOAs are generally expected to enforce their rules consistently and fairly. If they're selectively enforcing violations against you while ignoring similar issues with neighbors, you may have grounds to challenge their actions.

It depends on the issue. For minor repairs, a closing cost credit can be more convenient because you can choose your own contractor after closing. For major safety or structural problems, it's often better to ask the seller to complete the repairs before closing. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you decide which option offers the best value based on the property's condition and your financing.

Yes. In many cases, you can qualify as a first-time homebuyer again if you haven't owned a primary residence during the past 3 years. Even if you owned a home years ago, you may be eligible for first-time homebuyer programs, down payment assistance, and certain loan benefits if you meet that rule and other program requirements. It's always a good idea to check with a lender, as eligibility can vary by loan program and state.

It depends on your goals. Palos Verdes Estates offers larger luxury homes, a quieter atmosphere, and prestigious neighborhoods, while Rancho Palos Verdes provides more housing options, scenic ocean views, and often better value for the price. If you want exclusivity, choose Palos Verdes Estates. If you're looking for more choices and value, Rancho Palos Verdes is often the better fit.

es, it's something to consider. Parts of Rancho Palos Verdes are affected by active land movement. Before buying, review geological reports, natural hazard disclosures, and inspection results, and check with your insurance provider. An experienced local real estate broker can help you evaluate the property's specific risks before you make an offer.

After the home inspection, review the report with your real estate agent and focus on significant issues such as safety hazards, structural problems, roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, or HVAC concerns. Rather than asking for every minor cosmetic repair, request that the seller either complete the important repairs, provide a credit toward your closing costs, or reduce the purchase price. A skilled real estate agent can help negotiate a fair solution while keeping the transaction on track.

After the home inspection, focus on repairs that affect safety, structure, or major systems, such as the roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or foundation. You can ask the seller to make repairs, provide a credit toward closing costs, or reduce the purchase price. An experienced real estate broker can help you negotiate a fair solution while keeping the transaction on track.

t depends. If the seller knew the water heater had a problem and failed to disclose it, they could potentially be responsible. However, if it was working properly at closing and simply failed unexpectedly, it's usually the buyer's responsibility. Your purchase contract, inspection reports, and any home warranty coverage will also affect the outcome.

If a neighbor's fence appears to be on your property, don't rely on the fence as the legal boundary. Review the property's survey, check the legal description and public records, and consider hiring a licensed land surveyor to confirm the exact property lines before closing. It's much easier to resolve boundary issues before you own the home than afterward.

You may be able to remove PMI without refinancing once you've built enough equity in your home. Many lenders allow you to request PMI cancellation when your loan balance reaches 80% of your home's original value, provided you're current on your payments and meet the lender's requirements. Your lender can explain the specific steps for your loan.

Pros of New Construction: Modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, lower maintenance costs, and builder warranties. Pros of Older Homes: Established neighborhoods, mature landscaping, larger lots, unique character, and often closer to schools, shopping, and city centers. The best choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. A knowledgeable real estate broker such as myself can help you compare both options and find the right fit.

Yes, they can. If your home is part of an HOA, you agreed to follow its rules, including architectural guidelines. If you install a shed without approval, the HOA may issue fines, require you to remove it, or take other enforcement actions allowed by the HOA's governing documents. It's always best to check your HOA rules and get approval before making changes.

As a Los Angeles broker, one of the first things I do with sellers is prepare a personalized market analysis so they can compare what they could sell for today against what buying their next home would actually cost. That provides a much clearer picture than looking at mortgage rates alone.

Hello, I have seen all the waves in the market for being an active Broker of 25 years selling Real Estate. Yes interest rates can definitely affect the housing market, but they shouldn't be the only reason you decide whether to sell your home. When interest rates go up, some buyers may qualify for a smaller loan or decide to wait, which can reduce the number of buyers in the market. That may mean it takes a little longer to sell or that buyers are more careful with their offers. On the other hand, if your home is priced correctly, looks great, and is marketed well, buyers are still out there. People move for many reasons—growing families, new jobs, downsizing, or relocation—regardless of interest rates. Every market is different, so before making a decision, I always recommend looking at what's happening in your local area. A personalized market analysis can help you understand your home's value, current buyer demand, and the best strategy to get the strongest possible price. If you're thinking about selling, I'd be happy to help you review your options and decide if now is the right time for you.

I have been selling Real Estate for over 27 years and of course my experience matter and we usually determine your home's listing price by comparing it to recently sold homes with similar size, condition, features, and location. They also consider current market trends, buyer demand, and active competing listings to recommend a price that attracts buyers while helping you maximize your return.

For me, the right choice comes down to my budget, timeline, and long-term goals. Living in Los Angeles, I see that fixer-uppers can be a great way for me to build equity and get more value, but I also know they’ll likely require more time, effort, and money upfront. On the other hand, move-in ready homes cost more initially, but they offer me convenience and fewer immediate repairs. I’d want to work with a local real estate professional to help me weigh both options based on the current Los Angeles market and what makes the most sense for my plans.

Most lenders prefer a credit score of 620 or higher for a conventional loan, while some FHA loans may allow scores as low as 580. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of qualifying for a lower interest rate and more favorable loan terms.

My listing was painted all blue from outside and I kept hearing that the paint color gave them "bad vibes." Instead of imagining repainting, they decided the house wasn't "meant to be."

Fewer Buyers Many people are traveling, shopping, or focused on family events, so you may see fewer showings. Some Buyers Expect Better Deals Buyers shopping during the holidays sometimes believe sellers are more motivated and may submit lower offers. Scheduling Can Be Challenging Holiday vacations, lender closures, inspectors, and title companies may have limited availability, which can slow the transaction. Decorations Can Be Distracting Holiday decorations can make it harder for buyers to picture the home's layout. Simple, tasteful décor usually works better than over-the-top displays.

Compare several lenders, review their interest rates, loan options, fees, and customer reviews. A trusted real estate agent can also connect you with reputable lenders who fit your financial goals.

Higher interest rates can reduce the number of qualified buyers, which may mean fewer offers and longer time on the market. Lower rates typically increase buyer demand and competition. However, in California, factors like local inventory, pricing, and your neighborhood often have just as much impact. The best time to sell is when your home is well-prepared, competitively priced, and market conditions align with your goals. A local market analysis can help you determine the right timing.

Simple updates can make a big difference. Fresh paint, a new front door, updated landscaping, outdoor lighting, clean walkways, and a pressure-washed exterior are some of the best ways to boost curb appeal and help your home make a great first impression with buyers.

The best exterior upgrades for a quick sale are simple and cost-effective. Fresh paint, updated landscaping, a new front door, modern house numbers, outdoor lighting, and pressure washing can dramatically improve curb appeal and attract more buyers.

Small, affordable updates often deliver the best return. Fresh paint, updated lighting, new cabinet hardware, minor kitchen and bathroom improvements, landscaping, and a deep cleaning can make your home more appealing to buyers without a major investment.

Usually, a full kitchen remodel isn't necessary before selling. If your kitchen is functional, painting the cabinets, updating hardware, replacing light fixtures, and making minor improvements can refresh the space and often provide a better return on investment.

If your solar panels are financed or leased, they don't always have to be paid off before selling. Depending on the agreement, the loan or lease may be paid off at closing or transferred to the buyer if they qualify. It's important to review the solar contract before listing your home.

If the solar panels are financed or leased, the agreement can often be transferred to the buyer, paid off at closing, or negotiated as part of the sale. Review your solar contract early so you know your options before listing your home.

A neighborhood's direction depends on factors like home price trends, inventory, new developments, school ratings, local businesses, and buyer demand. I can help you review the data to see whether an area is growing, stable, or slowing down.

Hello, Saving on commission may sound like a great idea, but it's important to look at the bigger picture. The goal isn't just to save money—it's to walk away with the highest possible net proceeds. Some discount brokerages provide excellent service, while others may offer fewer marketing resources, less hands-on guidance, or limited negotiation support. Those differences can affect how quickly your home sells and, in some cases, the final sale price. I always tell sellers to compare the value they're receiving, not just the commission. Ask what is included: professional marketing, pricing strategy, communication, negotiation experience, and support from listing through closing. In many cases, a strong marketing plan and skilled negotiation can more than make up for the difference in commission by helping you achieve a better outcome. Before making a decision, I'd be happy to explain what I do for my clients so you can compare your options and choose what works best for you. I have been selling Real Estate over 27 years!

Not necessarily. A well-planned price reduction can attract new buyers, generate fresh interest, and help your home sell faster. The key is pricing it strategically—not reacting out of panic.

Don't panic over the number I've seen inspection reports with 70+ items where buyers still moved forward because nearly everything was routine maintenance. I've also seen reports with only 5 items, where one of those was a failing foundation—a much bigger concern.

It depends on the warranty and the company. Some homeowners save money on unexpected repairs, while others get frustrated by coverage exclusions and claim denials. Before buying one, read the coverage details, exclusions, service fees, and reviews so you know exactly what's included.

Wars often push interest rates higher because governments spend and borrow more money to fund military and defense, which increases demand for capital. At the same time, wars disrupt supply chains, energy, and food markets, causing inflation. To control rising prices and stabilize the economy, central banks like the Federal Reserve often raise interest rates.

You’re actually in a very strong position. A $800 mortgage at 4% is amazing in today’s market, so I completely understand not wanting to give that up. If moving won’t significantly improve your space without a big jump in payment, finishing the basement could be a smart option. A HELOC can work well for projects like that, especially if it adds usable living space and value to your home. I’d just make sure the waterproofing and structural work are done right first, then build the space over time so you’re not stretching your budget.

House flipping can be a profitable business, but it's much more than buying low and selling high. The most successful flippers understand the local market, renovate wisely, and manage their costs carefully. If you're thinking about flipping your first home, don't start by asking, "How much can I make?" Start by asking, "What could go wrong, and have I budgeted for it?" That mindset can save you thousands of dollars. As a real estate broker, I often help investors identify properties with strong potential, estimate resale value, and avoid overpaying. Having a solid strategy before you buy is one of the biggest advantages you can have.

A kitchen remodel is one of the best home improvements, but it rarely returns 100% of its cost. On average, homeowners recoup about 50%–80% of the renovation cost, depending on the quality of the remodel and your local market. A modern, functional kitchen can also help your home sell faster and attract more buyers. Before renovating, it's a good idea to consult a local real estate professional to focus on updates that offer the best return on investment.

The first step is to meet with an experienced real estate broker. They can evaluate your home's value, explain current market conditions, and recommend which repairs or improvements are actually worth making. This helps you avoid spending money on updates that may not increase your sale price. From there, you'll create a plan to prepare your home and list it at the right price.