2 part question - unpermitted structure VA and agency status

[Dan Bee]

Hi all,

This is a 2-part question.

I was speaking with the seller’s agent and I told him that I don’t have a real estate agent. He said that he could represent me. I told him that I didn’t want representation from anyone and that I would represent myself. I told him that I think if I don’t have any representation, the owner shouldn’t pay as much in commission and could potentially lower the price.

The other question is that there is an non-permitted structure in the back. It's a 2/1. What are the permitting costs in los angeles? Could I lower the purchase price because it's not permitted? Here's the issue. I want to purchase using a VA Home Loan. Will the VA appraiser ignore the un-structured building? Will the VA says that I have to pay close to the appraisal amount? Thanks.