One of the first questions I get from first-time buyers is some version of: "How long is this whole thing going to take?" It's a fair question, and the honest answer is that the timeline varies. But once you understand each stage, the process stops feeling like a mystery.
Before you start touring homes, you need to know what you can afford. Submit your documents — pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements — and I'll review your credit, income, and assets and issue a pre-approval letter. If you have everything organized, this can happen in 24–48 hours.
This is the stage that varies the most. Some buyers find their home in two weekends. Others search for three or four months. Your pre-approval stays current for 60–90 days, so don't rush.
Once a seller accepts your offer, escrow opens. Most California purchase contracts put you in escrow for 30 days, though 21-day and 45-day escrows are also common.
Schedule a general home inspection within the first week. Depending on the property, you might also order pest, roof, sewer, or HVAC inspections. After reviewing reports, you can request repairs, ask for a credit, or cancel if you find something serious.
Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth what you're paying. If the appraisal comes in low, you'll have decisions to make about price renegotiation.
The lender takes a deep look at everything. It's normal for underwriters to come back with conditions — additional documents or explanations. Respond to these requests quickly. Delays in underwriting are almost always caused by slow document turnaround on the buyer's side.
This is the phrase everyone's waiting for. You'll receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing — review it carefully and compare it to your Loan Estimate from early in the process.
Sign documents, wire your down payment and closing costs, and wait for the lender to fund the loan. Once funding is confirmed and the deed is recorded, the home is yours. The closing appointment takes about an hour.
The biggest ways to speed things up:
My job is to make sure the mortgage side never slows you down. Reach out and we'll get you into the market with confidence.
