What Condo Buyers Can Ask For Beyond the Price in Los Angeles

Bright, welcoming Los Angeles condo living room with warm wood accents and a view of the city

By Diana L. Marquez, Real Estate Agent | CA DRE #01418705 | eXp Realty of Southern California, Inc. DRE #02187306

With roughly 37% of Los Angeles County condo listings reportedly taking a price cut this year, a record in some tracking, buyers may have room to discuss more than the asking price. The exact share depends on the dataset and date, and a listing price cut is not the same as a closed-sale discount. Still, it can be a reason to look closely at the full offer.

I approach condo offers as a conversation about the home, the building, and what fits your budget, not just one number. If the seller has already adjusted the price, you can still ask whether other terms may help make the purchase manageable. There’s no guarantee the seller will agree, but a thoughtful request tied to the facts is a good place to start.

Review the building first

Before writing an offer, I’d want to understand the monthly costs and the association’s financial picture. Review:

  • HOA dues and what they cover
  • Reserve information, including the most recent reserve study
  • Recent HOA meeting notes, which may discuss repairs or financial concerns
  • Disclosed or planned special assessments
  • Recent sales in the same building to help judge the asking price

These details can change the real cost of owning the condo. A lower purchase price may not feel like a good fit if dues are high or the building is facing a significant expense. For more background, the California Department of Real Estate explains common-interest developments and the documents buyers may encounter in its consumer guide to homeowners associations.

Generic condo association documents and a calculator on a warm wood table

Requests worth discussing

Depending on the home, the seller, and your financing, you might ask about:

  • A seller-paid closing-cost credit. This may help cover eligible costs at closing, subject to lender limits.
  • A temporary 2-1 rate buydown. In plain language, the payment is calculated using a rate two percentage points below your note rate in year one, one point below in year two, and the full note rate after that. The note rate itself does not change; the seller’s contribution helps fund the temporary payment reduction.
  • Repairs or a repair credit. If an inspection identifies an issue, you can discuss having it addressed or requesting a credit, where permitted.
  • A contribution toward an HOA-related expense. If there is a disclosed association expense or assessment, you can ask whether the seller can contribute, subject to the transaction terms and lender rules.

Not every request will be permitted or useful in every transaction. I recommend asking your lender which credits are allowed and how a buydown would affect the payment over time. It’s also worth comparing quotes from more than one lender; costs and options can vary.

Make the ask specific

A request is stronger when it connects to the facts of that particular condo and your own budget. For example, if the meeting notes describe a planned building repair, you could ask whether the seller would contribute toward the related expense. If the inspection identifies a repair inside the unit, your request can address that finding.

That’s more useful than relying on a generic negotiation template. It also gives the seller a clear reason to consider the terms. I can help you review the available information, compare recent sales, and shape an offer that reflects your priorities.

Well-maintained contemporary condominium exterior framed by mature trees

Keep rates in view

Freddie Mac’s weekly survey put the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 7.40% on October 8, 2026, up from 7.28% the prior week and marking a seventh consecutive weekly increase. The next major scheduled inflation data point is the September CPI report, due Wednesday, October 14, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics release schedule. These figures are a snapshot, not a prediction of what rates will do next. You can check Freddie Mac’s weekly rate archive.

A temporary buydown may make the first two years’ payments lower, but you’ll want to know whether the full payment afterward fits your budget. Some buyers use the phrase “marry the house, date the rate,” but refinancing later is only a possibility if rates, costs, and your circumstances make it worthwhile. I would never treat it as a promise.

In a building with financial questions, some concessions may matter more than others. A credit can help with eligible closing costs, but it does not remove the risk of future HOA expenses. Understanding the documents and getting your lender’s guidance can help you weigh the whole picture before deciding.

Here to help

You don’t need to know every detail before asking questions. I’ll meet you where you are, explain the options in plain language, and help you make an informed decision without pressure. You can learn more about my approach or contact me when you’re ready to talk through a condo purchase.

Diana L. Marquez | CA DRE #01418705 | eXp Realty of Southern California, Inc. — DRE #02187306