Buying your first home in the Inland Empire

Buying your first home is a big step, and knowing the process ahead of time makes it much less stressful. With my background in escrow and loan signings, I'll walk you through each stage and explain the paperwork before you sign it.

From first conversation to keys in hand

1. Talk about your goalsWe'll go over where you want to live, your budget, your timeline and must-haves. Before we tour homes, we'll sign a written buyer representation agreement that explains my services and how I'm paid, which REALTORS® are now required to have in place.
2. Get pre-approvedA lender reviews your income, credit and savings and tells you how much you can borrow. A pre-approval letter makes your offers stronger. Compare a few lenders and loan types, such as conventional, FHA and VA.
3. Look into down payment helpCalifornia and some local agencies offer down payment and closing cost assistance for qualifying buyers, including programs through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Programs and funding change often, so ask your lender which ones you qualify for.
4. Search and tour homesI'll set up a search for the neighborhoods you like and schedule showings. We'll look at HOA dues, Mello-Roos taxes and insurance costs along with the price.
5. Make an offerWe'll write an offer on the California purchase agreement, with a price, deposit, timeline and contingencies that fit the market and protect you.
6. Escrow, inspections and appraisalOnce your offer is accepted, escrow opens and your deposit goes in. You'll review seller disclosures, schedule inspections and get the appraisal. Contingency deadlines matter, and I'll track them for you.
7. Final loan approval and closingYour lender finalizes the loan, you do a final walk-through, sign your documents and wire your funds. When the deed records with the county, the home is yours.

Costs to budget for

• Down payment: depends on the loan program. Some allow as little as 3% to 3.5%, and VA loans may allow zero down for eligible buyers.
• Earnest money deposit: paid into escrow after your offer is accepted and credited toward your purchase.
• Closing costs: lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees and prepaid taxes and insurance.
• Inspections and appraisal: usually paid during escrow.
• Ongoing costs: property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues and Mello-Roos where they apply.

Your lender will give you a Loan Estimate with the exact costs for your loan. These figures are general guidance, not a quote.