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California homebuyer checklist.

Buying a home has a lot of moving parts. This checklist puts them in order so nothing slips through the cracks. Use it to prepare, stay organized, and move with confidence — explained in plain language.

Print it, save it, or just follow along. Let’s get you ready to buy in California.

A California homebuyer working through a preparation checklist
Quick answer

To get ready to buy a home in California: check your credit, set a budget, save for the down payment and closing costs, gather your documents, get pre-approved, line up insurance early, and understand California specifics like property taxes and escrow. Working through this list before you shop makes the whole process smoother.

What this means

A checklist turns a big, overwhelming process into clear steps. Most delays and stress come from being unprepared — surprises about cash needed, missing documents, or insurance that takes weeks to arrange.

Going through this list first means you shop knowing your budget, look strong to sellers, and avoid last-minute scrambles.

The homebuyer checklist

Work through these eight steps in order. Each one sets up the next.

Step 1 — Get your finances ready

Check your credit score and report. See What Credit Score Do I Need.
Pay down debts to improve your DTI if you can.
Avoid new credit or big purchases before buying.

Step 2 — Set your budget

Estimate a comfortable monthly payment (including taxes and insurance).
Plan your down payment (often 3%–5%). See Down Payment Options.
Budget closing costs (about 2%–5% of the price).
Keep an emergency cushion — do not spend every dollar.

Step 3 — Gather your documents

Pay stubs, W-2s, and (often) two years of tax returns.
Bank and asset statements.
Photo ID. See Required Documents.

Step 4 — Get pre-approved

Apply for pre-approval to learn your real budget. See Get Pre-Approved.
Get your pre-approval letter to show sellers.

Step 5 — Build your team

Choose a real estate agent.
Have your lender ready to move quickly.

Step 6 — Shop and make an offer

Tour homes in your budget.
Make an offer with earnest money.
Understand your contingencies and their deadlines.

Step 7 — Handle California specifics

Line up homeowners insurance early (it can take weeks in some areas).
Plan for property taxes (~1.1%–1.25%) and the supplemental bill.
Understand escrow and impounds. See Homebuying Steps & Timeline.

Step 8 — Close

Review your Closing Disclosure (3 days before closing).
Verify wire instructions by phone to avoid fraud.
Sign, fund, and get your keys.

Requirements (at a glance)

ItemTarget
Credit score~620+ conventional, ~580+ FHA
Down payment3%–5% (or 0% for VA/USDA)
Closing costsAbout 2%–5% of price
DocumentsIncome, assets, ID ready
InsuranceArranged before closing

Benefits of using a checklist

Stay organized. Nothing falls through the cracks.
Move faster. You are ready to act on the right home.
Avoid surprises. You plan for cash, taxes, and insurance.
Less stress. A clear path is calming.

Things to watch (honest notes)

Insurance can take time. Start early, especially in wildfire areas.
The supplemental tax bill comes after closing.
Avoid new credit until after you close.
Keep a cushion. Do not spend all your savings.
Real-world California example

What it looks like in practice

Maria’s prep in Sacramento
Maria’s prep in Sacramento

Maria checks her credit, sets a budget, and gathers her documents. She gets pre-approved, lines up insurance early, and plans for property taxes. When she finds the right home, she is ready to make a strong offer and closes smoothly.

Example is for learning only. Your path depends on your situation.

Common mistakes

1Shopping before pre-approval. Know your budget first.
2Forgetting closing costs and taxes. Budget for the full picture.
3Waiting on insurance. It can take weeks in some areas.
4Opening new credit. It can change your approval.
5Spending your whole cushion. Keep emergency savings.
6Disorganized documents. Gather them early.
Good questions

Frequently asked questions

Check your credit and get pre-approved to learn your real budget. See Get Pre-Approved.

Next steps

Work through this checklist and you will be ready to buy with confidence.

The best first step is to get pre-approved. EZ Online Mortgage can help you check off each step and stay on track from prep to keys.

Get Pre-Approved (818) 305-6704
Keep learning

This page is for education only. It is not a loan offer or a promise of approval, rates, or terms. Qualification depends on your individual circumstances. Equal Housing Opportunity · NMLS #362311 · CA DRE #01871814.

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