Buying, selling, or building in Los Angeles?

Technically no — California allows for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) transactions. But over 90% of LA County residential transactions involve at least one licensed broker, and a broker on your side handles contract negotiation, disclosures, inspections, and escrow. For most LA sellers and buyers, the question isn't whether you need a broker but whether the right broker pays for themselves through better pricing and negotiation — for owner-occupied properties in this market, usually yes.

California real estate commission is fully negotiable by law — there's no statutory rate. Historically, sellers paid roughly 5–6% of the sale price total, split between the listing broker and the buyer's broker. After the 2024 National Association of Realtors settlement, the convention has shifted: buyers and their brokers now typically negotiate compensation separately, and many sellers no longer automatically offer a buyer-side commission in MLS. Specific rates depend on the broker, market, and scope of service — ask any broker you interview directly.

A BPO is a California-licensed real estate broker's written opinion of a property's likely market value, based on comparable sales, property condition, and local market dynamics. It's not a state-licensed appraisal — appraisals are performed by certified appraisers under regulated USPAP standards and used for lending decisions. BPOs are typically used for pricing decisions before listing, refinance considerations, or build-vs-sell analyses. Harpaz Realty offers free in-home BPOs as part of consultation — no obligation to list with us afterward.

Depends on the specific lot, your timeline, and your goals. ADUs in LA County typically add $50K–$200K+ in resale value depending on size, finishes, and neighborhood — but require $150K–$400K upfront and roughly 12–24 months to build and permit. Selling avoids the construction risk and timeline but caps your appreciation at current market. The honest math depends on your lot's specific zoning, overlays, build cost, and current local comps. Our build-vs-sell BPO walks through both paths with real numbers from your address.

Calabasas-based, with active transactions across the West San Fernando Valley (Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Northridge, Chatsworth, Reseda, West Hills, Winnetka, Canoga Park, Valley Village), the Westside (Brentwood, Bel-Air), and adjacent LA County. Broker Yair Harpaz has 30+ years working specifically in these markets through multiple cycles.

Yes. The permit tool at permitpath.la is free for any LA homeowner regardless of whether you're working with Harpaz Realty. We built it because the homeowner question Yair gets asked most — "what can I build on this lot?" — deserved a free, self-serve answer. Use it standalone, or as a starting point before bringing us in for the build-vs-sell BPO, listing, or buying transaction.