Closing costs
Typically 2–5% of the purchase price: lender fees, escrow, title insurance, recording, and prepaid taxes and insurance.
Buyer's guide
Buying a home in Southern California
From the first pre-approval conversation to the day the keys are in your hand — here's exactly how it goes, and what I handle at each stage.
- 1
Get your financing straight
Before we look at a single house. A real pre-approval — not a pre-qualification — tells us your actual budget and makes your offer credible. If you don't have a lender, I'll introduce you to two or three I trust and you pick.
- 2
Define what you're actually looking for
Non-negotiables versus nice-to-haves, commute tolerance, school boundaries, how much work you're willing to take on. This conversation saves months. I set up an MLS search from it so new listings reach you the day they go active.
- 3
Tour with intent
We see homes in batches so you can compare them honestly. I'll point out the things photos hide — foundation issues, permit problems, the freeway you can't see but will hear at night.
- 4
Write an offer that wins
Price is one lever. Contingency periods, deposit size, close date, rent-backs, and how the offer is presented to the listing agent are the others. I call the listing agent before we submit — that phone call is worth more than most people think.
- 5
Escrow, inspections, and negotiation round two
Inspection findings are the second negotiation, and often the bigger one. I'll tell you what's a genuine problem and what's a normal 1978-construction quirk, then push for credits where they're warranted.
- 6
Close and get your keys
Final walkthrough, signing, funding, recording. I stay on top of the lender and escrow so the close date holds — and I'm still reachable after, when you need a plumber recommendation at 9pm.
Costs to plan for
What buying actually costs
Beyond the down payment. These are ranges, not quotes — your lender and escrow will give you exact numbers.
Inspections
General inspection plus any specialists — sewer, roof, chimney, foundation. Usually a few hundred dollars each, paid during escrow.
Ongoing
Property taxes (roughly 1.1–1.25% annually in LA County, plus any Mello-Roos), insurance, HOA dues, and a maintenance reserve.
Not financial advice. Figures above are general ranges for planning purposes only, not a quote or a guarantee. Tax rates, special assessments, and loan costs vary by property and by lender. Consult your lender, escrow officer, and tax professional for numbers specific to your situation.