Buying house in Los Angeles or Ventura County

[Peter Bocian]

Hi all, I am looking for a primary single family in Los Angeles or around Simi Valley below $700K. I have been looking through Zillow/Redfin but market is obvious very tough. What would be the best way to find off-market deals in these areas?

[Caroline Gerardo]

Off market? door knock, mailer, look for house with overgrown lawn? A realtor who is already door knocking.  Markets everywhere are as if crazy billionaires are snapping up bon bons. Cash offers dominate and get in escrow. To compete with this: offer high and fast; offer seller to rent back for a while as they have no where to go; be willing to risk your earnest money and waive contingencies; have extra cash when the appraisal comes in low; pray; think positive.