Buying a Condo in California Without a Buyer's Agent
HOA laws, FHA/VA approval, special assessments & transfer taxes
California Condo Facts at a Glance
HOA Financials in California
California law gives condo buyers 10 days to review HOA documents after receiving them from the seller. During this window, request the current operating budget, reserve fund balance, reserve study, and the last 2 years of meeting minutes. A healthy association keeps reserves at 70%+ funded; anything below 30% is a red flag for future special assessments.
Key documents to request: CC&Rs, bylaws, current budget, reserve fund balance, reserve study, last 2 years of board meeting minutes, and any pending litigation.
FHA & VA Approval in California
California has many FHA-approved condo projects, particularly in LA, SF, and San Diego metro areas.
FHA and VA loans require the entire building to be approved, not just the unit. Approval can expire — always verify on the HUD condo lookup database before submitting your offer with FHA or VA financing.
Special Assessments in California
CA Civil Code 5600 requires HOAs to keep 10–15% of annual assessments in reserves. Request the most recent reserve study.
Ask the seller to sign a disclosure confirming no special assessments are currently approved, pending a vote, or under discussion. For high-rise buildings, request the most recent structural or building inspection report.
How to Buy a Condo in California Without an Agent
- 1
Search & Identify the Building
Use Zillow, Realtor.com, or contact listing agents directly. For FHA/VA financing, verify building approval before touring.
- 2
Request HOA Documents
Before making an offer, ask for the budget, reserve study, and recent meeting minutes. In California, you have 10 days to review after receipt.
- 3
Make an Offer
Submit your offer with contingencies for HOA document review, inspection, and financing. Include a request for seller disclosure of any known special assessments.
- 4
Get a Condo Inspection
A condo inspection covers the unit plus shared systems (HVAC, roof access, balconies). Use Angi to find a vetted local inspector familiar with condo buildings.
- 5
Close — Transfer Tax: 0.11%
Budget for 0.11% transfer tax. Recording fees range from $25–$225. Without a buyer's agent, you pocket the commission — typically 2–3% of the purchase price.
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