Step 1: Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop

Pre-approval is the first thing you should do — before you look at a single listing. It tells you exactly how much you can borrow, what your monthly payment will look like, and it shows sellers that you're a serious buyer.

To get pre-approved, we'll need:

Two years of tax returns and W-2s (or 1099s if self-employed)
Two most recent pay stubs
Two to three months of bank statements
Photo ID
Landlord contact or 12 months of rental history (if applicable)

Pre-approval typically takes 24 hours once we have your documents. There is no hard credit pull required to get started.

Step 2: Understand Your Loan Options

Not all mortgages are the same. Here are the most common loan types and who they're best suited for:

FHA Loan

Backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Requires as little as 3.5% down and is more flexible with credit scores. Great for first-time buyers who haven't had time to build a large down payment.

Conventional Loan

Not government-backed. Typically requires a stronger credit score (660+) and at least 3–5% down. Once you hit 20% equity, you can drop private mortgage insurance (PMI).

VA Loan

Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. No down payment required, no PMI, and highly competitive rates. One of the best loan programs available if you qualify.

Jumbo Loan

For homes that exceed the conventional loan limit (currently $766,550 in most California counties). Requires a stronger financial profile but allows you to purchase higher-value properties.

Step 3: Make an Offer and Open Escrow

Once you've found your home and your offer is accepted, escrow opens. This is the period between the accepted offer and the closing of the sale — typically 21 to 45 days. During escrow:

We finalize your loan and lock your interest rate
An appraisal is ordered to confirm the home's value
A home inspection is typically completed by the buyer
Title is searched to confirm the seller has the legal right to sell

Step 4: Close and Get Your Keys

Closing day is when you sign the final loan documents, funds are transferred, and ownership officially changes hands. You'll need to bring:

A cashier's check or wire transfer for your closing costs and down payment
A valid photo ID

Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount and cover things like lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaid taxes and insurance.

After signing, the loan records and you receive your keys — congratulations, you're a homeowner.

What Makes Working With Us Different

We shop 40+ lenders to find you the best rate — not just the one we happen to carry
Pre-approval in as little as 24 hours
Close in as little as 12 days
No hidden fees, no runaround — transparent pricing from day one
A real human walks you through every step

First-Time Buyer Guide