By Mike Basti, President and Mortgage Broker · NMLS #322904Buying a house in California follows nine steps: (1) check your budget and credit, (2) get pre-approved, (3) hire a local agent, (4) house hunt, (5) make an offer, (6) open escrow and deposit earnest money, (7) complete inspections and the appraisal, (8) finish loan underwriting, and (9) sign and close. From accepted offer to keys typically takes 21–45 days.
California’s market moves fast and prices are high, so the buyers who win are the ones who prepare before they shop. Here is the whole process in order.
Check your budget & credit
Estimate your price range with a home affordability calculator and pull your credit. Fixing errors now protects your rate.
Get pre-approved
A pre-approval tells you the real number and makes your offer credible. Self-employed? Ask about bank-statement options.
Hire a local agent
A buyer’s agent who knows your submarket is usually paid from the transaction and guides pricing and negotiation.
House hunt
Tour homes in your range, factoring commute, schools, HOA dues, and insurance (a real cost in many California ZIP codes).
Make an offer
Your agent submits a written offer with price, contingencies, and your pre-approval. Expect counters in competitive areas.
Open escrow & deposit earnest money
Once accepted, you open escrow and wire earnest money (often 1–3%) to show you’re serious.
Inspections & appraisal
A home inspection checks condition; the lender’s appraisal confirms value. Both can reopen negotiation.
Loan underwriting
Underwriting verifies income, assets, and the property. Respond fast to document requests to stay on schedule.
Sign & close
You review the Closing Disclosure, sign, funds record, and the home is yours.
Bottom line: The single biggest advantage in a California offer is a real pre-approval from a broker who can shop your file. Start yours free before you tour homes.
A typical timeline after your offer is accepted
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Open escrow, wire earnest money |
| First 1–2 weeks | Home inspection, disclosures review, appraisal ordered |
| Contingency deadlines | Often around 17 days in the standard California contract, but negotiable |
| Weeks 2–4 | Underwriting, conditions, final approval |
| Final week | Closing Disclosure (at least 3 business days before signing), sign, fund, record |
Every deadline is written into your contract, so read it with your agent. Missing a contingency deadline can put your deposit at risk. Removing a contingency early, before your loan is approved, carries the same risk.
Matching your situation to a loan type
| Your situation | Loan to look at | Typical starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Lower score or small down payment | FHA | 580 score with 3.5% down |
| Good credit, first-time buyer | Conventional | About 620+; some programs allow 3% down |
| Veteran or active duty | VA | 0% down; lenders set the score floor |
| Self-employed with write-offs | Bank statement (non-QM) | Generally 640+, up to $3M ($5M by exception) |
| Price above conforming limits | Jumbo | Above $850,000, or $1,275,000 in high-cost counties |
Lenders vary, so treat these as starting points. Compare programs on our first-time buyer page.
Mistakes that delay a California closing
- Opening new credit or financing furniture before closing.
- Moving money between accounts without a paper trail.
- Changing jobs mid-escrow without telling your lender.
- Waiting too long to get a homeowners insurance quote. In some California areas coverage takes time to find.
- Letting a rate lock expire because documents came in late.
Most delays come from missing paperwork, not from the house. Answering document requests within a day keeps underwriting on schedule.
Rates change daily, so for an accurate quote call 949-379-5320 (Newport Beach) or 310-759-4757 (Marina del Rey).
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to buy a house in California?
From accepted offer to closing is usually 21–45 days; the whole journey including shopping can take a few months. A well-prepared, pre-approved buyer closes faster.
How much do I need to buy a house in California?
You need a down payment (as little as 3–3.5% on many programs, though more is common), closing costs (roughly 2–5%), and reserves. First-time buyers may qualify for down-payment assistance.
What credit score do I need to buy a house in California?
FHA allows 580 (sometimes 500 with more down); conventional typically wants 620+. Higher scores earn better rates. See our guide on improving your score before you apply.
Do I need a 20% down payment in California?
No. Many California buyers put down 3–5%; 20% simply avoids mortgage insurance. Assistance programs and low-down options make homeownership reachable with far less.
Can I buy a house in California if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed buyers can use full-doc loans with tax returns, or non-QM bank statement loans that qualify on 12 to 24 months of deposits. Non-QM credit generally starts at 640+.
When should I get homeowners insurance when buying a house?
Start shopping as soon as your offer is accepted, or even before. Your lender needs proof of coverage before closing, and in some California areas it takes longer to find a policy.
Save Financial, Inc. — NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766. Equal Housing Opportunity. Figures are illustrative for 2026 and not an offer of credit or a guarantee of rates or approval.