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Access to relevant, cutting edge and easy-to-understand homebuyer resources make you a stronger partner in your goal of achieving the American dream of home ownership.

Purchasing a home has become a vital part of the American Dream. In today’s highly competitive Northeast LA real estate market, the more you understand about the process of home buying, the more effective you will be as a partner - along with your purchasing agent - in obtaining the best possible price for the perfect home. 

Home buyers of all levels of experience now, more than ever, need every available resource to make sound home buying decisions. Our resources are not the same articles you’ll find on every other agent’s pages. The resources below have been researched and written by our team to offer guidance to homebuyers looking specifically to purchase a home in Northeast Los Angeles. That’s the sort of approach you can expect from Tracy King Team. High quality. Original. Personal.

Homebuyer Resource Articles

  • Choosing a Contractor to Fix Up Your NELA Fixer Upper

    Hitting the right rehab costs is critical to smartly renovating a vintage home. Here are some tips on how much to budget and how to choose a good contractor.In general terms, the decision to buy and renovate a “fixer-upper” is…

  • What Does it Mean to Buy a Home “As-Is?”

    It can be a great opportunity or a disaster to purchase real estate that needs some work. As-is lacks a legal definition – so approach it with caution. In Northeast Los Angeles – NELA to the locals – the wide…

  • Why Does Location Matter for Home Buying in Los Angeles?

    Northeast LA (NELA) already is popular for several reasons. But when narrowing down to a specific neighborhood it helps to know what to look for.  Just a few years ago (in 2014), Northeast Los Angeles (NELA) initiated the city’s first…

  • Home Buying Advice for Young Los Angeles Couples

    Most homebuyers enjoy looking at real estate, particularly in character-rich Northeast LA. But first you should get your financial ducks in a row. It is no secret that Northeast LA is a hot real estate market. For many years, real…

  • Why be Pre-Approved for a Home Loan When Still Shopping for a House

    It’s almost a requirement for Realtors and sellers to recognize you as a serious buyer by being pre-approved. But in fact, you really are just “pre-qualified.”For most people the fun part of looking for your next home is seeing what…

  • Understanding the Real Estate Agent’s Commission for NELA Homebuyers

    The agent compensation system in Northeast Los Angeles is designed to ensure smart, smooth transactions that are fair to both buyers and sellers.The process of purchasing a home, particularly for first-time homebuyers, is somewhat opaque. You sign a contract with…

  • Understanding Home Closing Costs in Southern California

    Real estate closings involves multiple parties performing several tasks to ensure legal transfer of the property, plus a solid loan contract with your lender.Looking to buy a house in Northeast Los Angeles – NELA, as it is known – but…

  • The Rules of Attending Open Houses

    Shopping for a home is fun for many people. And while signs for open houses suggest come-one-come-all, you should be both polite and strategic.The real estate sales technique of open houses has taken a hit in recent years. With online…

  • The Importance of Quality Schools in Northeast Los Angeles

    The rating of a public school is more than a source of community pride. School districts that perform well also have a net-positive effect on home values.When it comes to the really hot Northeast LA neighborhoods, the are many reasons…

  • Choosing the Right Neighborhood in NELA

    Northeast Los Angeles has many great homes in extraordinary neighborhoods. Some are more attractive than others – here’s how to know how to choose. Whether you’re looking  to purchase real estate in Highland Park or homes in Mt. Washington, Garvanza,…

  • Choosing a Landscape Architect for Your NELA Home

    Northeast LA homes are known for fine architecture as well as gardens. For many residents outdoor living with good landscaping is part of the lifestyle.According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), a home’s landscape can add as much…

  • The Difference Between Renting and Buying a Home in NELA

    Prices are rising on homes throughout Los Angeles, including the hot Northeast LA towns. Rents rise along with sale prices, so buyers are still advantaged. Shortly after the 2009 housing crash, it became a popular topic among financial advisors to…

  • Does it Pay to Buy a Fixer-Upper in NELA?

    Northeast Los Angeles is increasingly popular because of the vintage housing stock. Much is already modernized, but some can still be renovated for profit. There are two ways to look at buying a fixer-upper in Northeast Los Angeles – NELA,…

  • Buying a Home in NELA? Hire a Real Estate Team, Not an Agent

    A real estate firm with team depth brings several benefits to the buyer. It’s about more than expertise – it’s about a smooth process and quicker closing.There is no “I” in “team,” right? So do you need a real estate…

  • Choosing a Mortgage Company

    As with shopping for the right home it makes sense to shop for a mortgage. Your payments will last for years so you want to make the smartest choice.So you've decided to settle down in Northeast LA. You spent time…

  • First Time Homebuyer Resources in L.A.

    Whether you are house shopping in NELA (Northeast Los Angeles) or elsewhere in Southern California, there may be a program to take a bite out of your costs.First-time homebuyers in any market face a daunting list of concerns: where to…

  • House Flipping in NELA: What Buyers Should Know

    The strength of mature neighborhood real estate (built 50 years ago) is many homes are ripe for turnover. Someone will fix those old places – and make money.No one needs to overemphasize the strength of the Los Angeles real estate…

  • Buying Income Property in Northeast Los Angeles

    Homes in NELA are popular, but “generation rent” means many residents don’t care to buy. Millennials’ aversion to ownership means opportunities for landlords.Real estate in Pasadena, Eagle Rock and Highland Park has been a hot commodity for years. Homes for…

  • Choosing a Buyer’s Real Estate Agent in Northeast Los Angeles

    If you think you can do better at buying a house without a real estate broker – and minus a broker’s fees – think again. It’s smarter to choose a good agent.Every day prospective homebuyers head to Google and enter…

tracy 150x175With over 30 years experience in helping clients buy and sell homes in Northeast Los Angeles, Tracy King has a depth of real estate knowledge that makes her the go-to for both the first-time home buyer and the seasoned real estate investor. When she's not holding open houses or negotiating offers, Tracy enjoys wine tasting, cooking, or planning her next trip to Paris. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Northeast Los Angeles, contact the Tracy King Team at 626.827.9795 or team@tracyking.com.