All Forum Posts by: Jeff Matsuda

Thanks for the recommendations folks.  I ended up going with a draftsman that worked with a structural engineer.  He had good recommendations from a realtor, but the experience wasn't ideal.  The structural engineer signed off on the plans just taking the word of the draftsman, and I ended up having to redraft the plans (and pay to resubmit) when the contractor found issues with the plans versus the actual situation with the house.  So I don't have a good recommendation for an architect unfortunately.  

But the house was redone to remove a wall between the kitchen and the living room and it's been successfully rented since 2017!

Hi Stephanie:  

Welcome to BiggerPockets!    

---Jeff 

 Thanks Sonya.  I'll check it out.  

Hi Nathan: 

Welcome to BiggerPockets!  I'm from L.A. and looking out of state as well, so we should trade notes.  

For a great intro on Kansas City zip codes, check out Chris Dawson's helpful discussion thread.  

 Need to extend back of house into yard including master bath and office area.  So this will involve roofline changes.  I would think this needs plans, no?  Thanks!  

Hi Folks: 

Does anyone have a recommendation for Los Angeles-based architects?  Looking for someone with clean, modern aesthetic, but not Dwell-like bleeding edge.  

Thanks in advance.  

--Jeff 

LAREIA is great, they meet in Arcadia (despite title, it's not only for Asian folk):  http://www.meetup.com/Los-Angeles-Asian-Real-Estat...

Pasadena FIBI: http://www.meetup.com/FIBI-Real-Estate-Pasadena/

Great info, @Chris Dawson. Thanks!

@Julie Macd  Thanks for the great info on the KC market.  I'm planning to invest in KC as well.  

I like the idea of looking through the eyes of the buyer.  Also, getting your agent involved is smart since they have a vested interest.  

If you haven't already seen it, check out LA-based flipper Steve Jones' BP podcast (173).  He talks about going incognito to his own open houses to listen in on what buyers say about his houses.  Great free market research as part of the process!