Your Home Buying Roadmap

A simple step-by-step guide from pre-approval to keys-in-hand (built for California home buyers).

Typical timeline: 21–45 days from accepted offer to closing (varies by contract terms). We track deadlines and keep it simple.

Quick overview

  • Get pre-approved and confirm your comfort payment range.
  • Tour homes and write a strong offer when the right one shows up.
  • Once accepted, escrow opens, secure insurance, inspections happen, and the appraisal is ordered.
  • We review disclosures, negotiate if needed, and finalize loan approval.
  • Final walkthrough, sign, close, and you get the keys.

Step-by-step timeline

Step What happens What you do Typical timing
1) Pre-approval Lender reviews income/assets/credit. Pre-approval letter issued. Send lender docs and confirm budget. Before touring
2) Define your plan We confirm neighborhoods, must-haves, and deal-breakers. Pick target areas and set up personal alerts. 1–2 days
3) Tour and choose We tour and compare value so you can choose confidently. Ask questions and re-visit favorites. Varies
4) Write the offer We set price/terms and include the right paperwork. Review and e-sign/sign. Same day
5) Accepted offer / escrow opens Escrow opens and key dates are set in writing. Stay available for quick decisions. Day 0
6) Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) Deposit is delivered to escrow (amount/due date in contract). Arrange transfer and confirm receipt. Verify wiring instructions by phone. Often 1–3 days
7) Inspections Inspections help identify condition and repair items. Attend if you can and note priorities. Schedule ASAP; deadlines often 7–17 days
8) Insurance Insurance is needed to protect you and the lender. Secure homeowners’ insurance. As soon as possible; often due 7–17 days
9) Disclosures + HOA docs (if any) Seller provides disclosures (and HOA docs for HOA communities). Read and flag questions early. Early in escrow (often 3–5 days)
10) Appraisal Lender orders appraisal to support the loan. Respond fast if lender requests items. Often days 3–10
11) Loan approval Underwriting issues final approval conditions. Provide any last documents quickly. Often days 10–30
12) Final walkthrough We verify condition and agreed repairs (if any). Confirm what stays and ask questions. 3–5 days before close
13) Closing day Sign, fund, record, then keys (once recorded). Bring ID for signing and plan move-in. Closing

*Timelines are based on contract terms and may be longer or shorter than indicated above.

Key dates (fill in after acceptance)

Accepted (Day 0): ____________________    EMD due: ____________________

Inspection deadline: ____________________    Appraisal target: ____________________

Loan approval target: ____________________    Estimated close: ____________________

Insurance deadline: ____________________

Mini glossary

  • Escrow: Neutral third party that holds funds and paperwork until closing.
  • EMD: Good-faith deposit delivered to escrow after acceptance.
  • Contingencies: Contract conditions that must be satisfied (inspection, insurance, appraisal, loan).
  • HOA: Homeowners association (dues/rules). Review documents early.
  • Appraisal: Lender’s value opinion (different from inspection).
  • Inspection: Professional check of the home’s condition.
  • Loan commitment: Lender’s formal approval, usually subject to final conditions and clear-to-close.
  • Closing disclosure: Final loan statement showing your costs and exact cash needed to close.

Important

  • Avoid major financial changes during escrow (job change, new debt, large purchases, moving money).
  • Always verify wiring instructions by phone.

Questions anytime: 760-274-0991

Buy Or Sell SoCal Homes