Mandarin bilingual real estate questions, answered
Common questions about working with a Mandarin-speaking real estate agent — answered plainly, in English or Mandarin. If yours isn't here, call 310-920-1108 and ask.
Questions families ask
Do you really speak Mandarin, or do you use a translator?
I speak Mandarin Chinese myself — 我会说普通话. There is no third party translating; contracts, disclosures and negotiations can be discussed directly with you or other family members in Mandarin.
Why does it matter if my agent speaks Mandarin?
Buying or selling a home involves a lot of detail — timelines, contingencies, disclosures, negotiation — that is hard enough to track in your first language. When decision-makers in a family are more comfortable in Mandarin, direct communication means nothing gets lost, and no one has to rely on a relative translating on the side.
Can you help overseas buyers in Taiwan or mainland China?
Yes. I regularly work with clients based in Taiwan and mainland China, coordinating video walkthroughs, remote signing across time zones, and clear written updates so a family can decide together even when not everyone is in Los Angeles.
Do you work with multi-generational families looking for one home?
Often. Many families I work with want a layout that genuinely works for grandparents, parents and children together — single-level living, an ADU, or simply enough separate space for everyone to be comfortable.
How do you communicate — email, phone, WeChat?
Whatever works best for your family. Some clients prefer email or a phone call, others prefer WeChat or LINE. I am happy to communicate in English or Mandarin, whichever is easier.
I inherited a home in California but live overseas. Can you help?
Yes — Trust and probate sales, explained in Mandarin are one of my specialties, including situations where heirs live out of state or overseas. See the dedicated trust and probate page, or reach out and we can talk through your family's specific situation in English or Mandarin.
What if certain features of a home matter to us for personal reasons?
If a home's layout or features matter to you for personal reasons, tell me and I'll factor them into the search.
Which cities do you work in?
Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, Hollywood Hills and Arcadia. Each has its own character, housing stock and commute profile, and I can help you compare them directly.
What does it cost to work with you?
Consultations and initial guidance carry no fee. Brokerage compensation is agreed in writing before a purchase or listing and is handled through the transaction. If a deal doesn't happen, you owe nothing.
Do you only work with Mandarin-speaking clients?
No — I work with any buyer or seller across these communities. Fluency in Mandarin and understanding of what overseas and multi-generational families need are simply where I focus, because it is where I can add the most value.
Investment Property, ADUs & Rentals
投资房产、附属住宅单元(ADU)与出租
Can I buy a home in Pasadena or Burbank and rent it on Airbnb?
在帕萨迪纳或伯班克买房后,可以做 Airbnb 短租吗?
Can I buy a home in Pasadena or Burbank and rent it on Airbnb?
在帕萨迪纳或伯班克买房后,可以做 Airbnb 短租吗?
Not as a pure investment. Pasadena only permits short-term rentals from the host's own primary residence (lived in at least nine months a year), and whole-home stays while the owner is away are capped at 90 nights a year. Burbank doesn't allow short-term rentals in single-family zones at all. Plan for long-term rental income instead.
More: willflanniganrealestate.com/pasadena-short-term-rental-permit-rules · willflanniganrealestate.com/burbank-short-term-rental-rules
Can I build an ADU for my parents or adult children?
可以加建附属住宅单元(ADU)给父母或成年子女住吗?
Can I build an ADU for my parents or adult children?
可以加建附属住宅单元(ADU)给父母或成年子女住吗?
In most cases, yes — ADUs are a popular way to set up a multi-generational home. Rules differ by city. Pasadena waives its Residential Impact Fee for ADUs of 900 sq ft or less, and larger ADUs can qualify if the owner signs a Housing Agreement (for example, renting to a family member) before the permit is issued.
More: willflanniganrealestate.com/pasadena-adu-fee-waivers-explained
Are ADU rules the same in every city?
各城市的 ADU 规定都一样吗?
Are ADU rules the same in every city?
各城市的 ADU 规定都一样吗?
No. State law sets limits, but each city chooses its own size, height, and rental rules within them. For example, Los Angeles generally allows larger ADUs than Burbank, Burbank requires ADU rentals to be longer than 90 days, and Glendale is currently unable to enforce some of its own ADU restrictions while it fixes its ordinance to match state law. Always check the specific address.
More: willflanniganrealestate.com/burbank-vs-los-angeles-adu-rules · willflanniganrealestate.com/glendale-adu-rules-hcd-compliance-status
Can I buy a rental property with tenants already living there?
可以购买已有租客入住的出租房吗?
Can I buy a rental property with tenants already living there?
可以购买已有租客入住的出租房吗?
Yes. The buyer takes over the existing leases, rent history, and security deposits. Tenants can't be asked to leave just because the property sold, and local rules (such as Glendale's for buildings with three or more units, and Pasadena's Measure H) limit when a tenancy can end.
More: willflanniganrealestate.com/selling-tenant-occupied-house-glendale · willflanniganrealestate.com/selling-tenant-occupied-house-pasadena
Does building an ADU raise my property taxes?
加建 ADU 会增加房产税吗?
Does building an ADU raise my property taxes?
加建 ADU 会增加房产税吗?
Yes, usually. The new ADU is assessed separately as new construction and added to your existing assessed value. Your original home's assessment stays the same. A permit fee waiver is not a tax exemption.
More: willflanniganrealestate.com/pasadena-adu-fee-waivers-explained
Keep exploring
Mandarin-speaking agent
What it means to work with a bilingual, culturally fluent agent.
Read more →Resources for families
Guides and first steps for buyers, sellers and overseas families.
Read more →Service areas
The cities I work in and what makes each one a little different.
Read more →Or head back to the home page.