Buying a home in California follows a predictable arc: get your financing in order, find the right house, write a competitive offer, then move through escrow, inspections, appraisal, and loan approval to a recorded sale. Knowing the sequence keeps you calm when the paperwork starts flying.
The 15 steps, in order
Here is the full sequence most California purchases follow. Timelines overlap — inspections, appraisal, and loan work all run in parallel during your first two to three weeks in escrow.
- Check your credit and budget, and gather income/asset documents.
- Get pre-approved by a lender (not just pre-qualified).
- Hire a buyer's agent and sign a buyer representation agreement.
- Tour homes and identify the right property.
- Write an offer on the CAR Residential Purchase Agreement, with your earnest-money deposit and contingency timelines.
- Negotiate and reach mutual acceptance (often through counter-offers).
- Open escrow and deposit your earnest money with the neutral escrow holder.
- Receive and review seller disclosures (TDS, SPQ, NHD, and others).
- Order and attend the general home inspection plus any specialty inspections.
- Review the preliminary title report for liens, easements, and exceptions.
- Lender orders the appraisal; review the appraised value.
- Negotiate any repairs or credits, then remove contingencies in writing.
- Lock final loan approval and review your Closing Disclosure.
- Do the final walk-through, then sign loan and escrow documents.
- Loan funds, the deed records at the county, and you get the keys.
Step 12 — contingency removal — is the point of no return for your deposit, so never remove contingencies until you are genuinely satisfied.
How long each phase takes
- Pre-approval: a few days to a week once documents are submitted.
- Home search: highly variable — days to months.
- Escrow period: commonly 30–45 days; cash or fast-loan deals can close sooner. Where a number varies, confirm current figures for your transaction.
- Inspection window: often the first 7–17 days of escrow.
- Loan and appraisal: the appraisal usually lands within the first two weeks; final approval near contingency removal.
Money you'll need along the way
Budget for an earnest-money deposit (typically a small percentage of price, credited at closing), inspection fees, your appraisal fee, and closing costs. Exact amounts vary by lender and price — Where a number varies, confirm current figures for your transaction.
This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice — consult a licensed professional for your situation.
Common places buyers get tripped up
- Removing contingencies before financing is locked.
- Skipping specialty inspections on older homes.
- Making large purchases or opening new credit before closing.
- Underestimating closing costs.
- Missing a contingency deadline, which can put the deposit at risk.
How a buyer's agent keeps you on track
A good agent manages the calendar of deadlines, coordinates inspections, reviews disclosures with you, and negotiates repairs — so nothing slips. In Simi Valley, where the median is around $850,000 and well-priced homes can draw competition, sequencing and speed matter.
Your next step as a buyer
Before you tour a single home, get pre-approved and clarify your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Knowing your budget and your deal-breakers turns a chaotic search into a focused one, and lets you move quickly when the right Simi Valley listing appears.
- Get fully pre-approved first.
- Define neighborhoods and non-negotiables.
- Line up your agent before you shop.
- Be ready to act fast on the right home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pre-qualification the same as pre-approval?
No. Pre-qualification is an informal estimate; pre-approval involves the lender verifying your income, assets, and credit, and carries far more weight with sellers.
How long does escrow take in California?
Most residential escrows run about 30–45 days, though cash purchases or strong financing can close faster. Where a number varies, confirm current figures for your transaction.
What contingencies protect a buyer?
The most common are the inspection, appraisal, and loan contingencies, which let you renegotiate or cancel within defined windows.
When is my earnest-money deposit at risk?
Generally after you remove your contingencies in writing. Before that, contingencies give you defined exit rights.
Do I need an attorney to buy in California?
California typically uses escrow and title companies rather than closing attorneys, but you may consult an attorney for legal questions.
What is the very last step?
Recording — when the deed is recorded at the county recorder's office and ownership officially transfers to you.
