Andre Avakian · Realtor® · San Fernando Valley
Real estate guidance you can trust.
I help first-time buyers, investors and homeowners buy and sell across the San Fernando Valley, with clear advice, steady communication and an MBA's eye for value.
- Coldwell Banker RealtyStudio City office
- MBA, PepperdineGraziadio Business School
- BilingualEnglish · Armenian
- CalRE #02114030Licensed since 2020
How I help
Wherever you're starting, a clear plan
Most of my clients are buying their first home, growing an investment portfolio, or selling to make their next move.
First-time buyers
Go from renting to owning with every step explained.
- Budget and loan options made simple
- Down payment assistance programs
- Offer strategy that wins without overpaying
Investors
Decisions grounded in the numbers, not the hype.
- Rent comps and cash-flow analysis
- ADU and value-add potential
- Contractor and lender network
Sellers
Price with confidence, present well, negotiate hard.
- Comparative market analysis
- Staging, photography and video
- Negotiation through closing
First-time buyers
Your first home, without the guesswork
Buying your first home is the biggest purchase most people make. I'll walk you through it step by step, explain every document before you sign, and make sure you know what you can afford before we tour a single house.
Loan options to ask about
Know your numbers
Monthly payment, down payment and closing costs, worked out before you shop.
Get pre-approved
I introduce you to trusted lenders and help you compare loan programs.
Find the right home
Tours focused on your budget, commute and must-haves.
Make a strong offer
Pricing backed by recent sales, written to compete.
Inspections & escrow
Every deadline tracked and every report explained.
Get your keys
Final walkthrough, signing and move-in day.
Investors
Real estate investing, by the numbers
My MBA training means I evaluate a property the way you should: on income, costs and risk. Whether it's your first rental or your next property, you'll see the full picture before you write an offer.
Discuss an investmentWhat every deal analysis covers
- Rent estimate
- Based on comparable Valley rentals
- Cash flow
- Mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance and vacancy
- Cap rate & cash-on-cash
- Return on price and on the cash you put in
- ADU potential
- Lot size, zoning and guest-unit or garage-conversion options
- Value-add
- Renovation scope and estimated after-repair value
- Exit strategy
- Hold, refinance or sell, including 1031 exchange coordination with your tax advisor
About Andre
Business-minded. Family-first.
I'm a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Realty in Studio City, and I hold an MBA from Pepperdine's Graziadio Business School.
I approach every home the way an analyst approaches a deal: what it's truly worth, what it will cost to own, and where the leverage is in the negotiation. Then I explain it plainly, so you can decide with confidence.
I represent first-time buyers, investors and sellers across the San Fernando Valley, from Porter Ranch and Granada Hills to Sherman Oaks and Studio City. I work in English and Armenian.
Professionals I serve
Experience with your profession
Many of my clients have demanding schedules and specific loan options. I know the programs and plan around your work.
Law enforcement & first responders
Showings around shifts and discreet, practical searches.
Veterans & military families
VA loan guidance and lenders who close them regularly.
Teachers & educators
Assistance programs and timing around the school year.
Healthcare professionals
Evening and weekend tours and medical-professional loans.
Business owners
Lenders who understand self-employed income.
Working professionals
One point of contact and digital signing throughout.
Neighborhoods
The San Fernando Valley
Based in Studio City and focused on the Valley communities I know best.
Porter Ranch
Newer homes and gated communities in the foothills
Granada Hills
Mid-century homes on generous lots
Northridge
Established neighborhoods near CSUN
Sherman Oaks
Hillside homes and walkable Ventura Blvd
Studio City
Tree-lined streets close to the city
Across the SFV
Encino, Tarzana, Chatsworth, Van Nuys and nearby
How it works
A clear path, start to finish
Every step is explained ahead of time, so you always know what's next.
Consultation
We define budget, must-haves, neighborhoods and timing, and review a simple buyer agreement together.
Pre-approval
Introductions to trusted lenders, so your offer carries weight.
Tour & offer
On- and off-market homes, value-backed pricing and an offer built to win without overpaying.
Escrow & keys
Inspections, appraisal, loan deadlines and repairs, tracked and handled.
Valuation
A pricing analysis from recent nearby sales and current competition, reviewed in person.
Preparation
A focused list of high-return improvements, plus staging and photography.
Marketing
MLS, Coldwell Banker's network, and polished video for social media.
Negotiation & close
Offer review, counteroffers and a managed escrow to closing day.
Contact
Let's start a conversation.
Schedule a phone call or send me a message. I personally reply within one business day.
FAQ
Common questions
Don't see yours here? Send me a message and I'll answer it personally.
Do I need to be pre-approved before we start?
Not for a first conversation. Before we tour seriously or write an offer, yes. Sellers in Los Angeles expect it, and I can introduce you to lenders who move quickly.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Often less than people expect. Depending on the loan program it can range from about 3% to 20% or more. A lender can show your real options in one call, and I'll help you weigh them.
How does buyer representation work?
Buyers now sign a written agreement before touring homes. It sets out my compensation and how it's paid, which is often by the seller. I'll walk you through every line before you sign.
How do you determine my home's value?
From recent comparable sales, current competition, and your home's condition and upgrades, not an online estimate. You'll see every number behind the price.
I'm a veteran. Can I use a VA loan?
If you're eligible, very likely. VA loans can allow purchases with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. I'll connect you with lenders experienced with VA loans and make sure your offer is written to compete.
Are there programs for teachers and first responders?
There are state and local down payment assistance and first-time buyer programs, and eligibility depends on income, location and the program. I'll help you find the ones you may qualify for and pair you with a lender who uses them.
Can I add an ADU to an investment property?
Often, yes. California law has made accessory dwelling units much easier to permit, and many Valley lots qualify. I'll look at lot size, zoning and layout with you, and bring in a contractor or architect to confirm what's possible before you buy.
Can we work in Armenian?
Yes. Every conversation, disclosure and contract can be explained in English or Armenian.