Your Home Buying Guide for Southern California

Learn each step of buying a home in plain language, from pre-approval to closing. Download our free guide and see what to expect before you start.

Your Southern California Home Buyer's Guide

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WHAT IS INSIDE THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOME BUYER'S GUIDE

Our free 29-page guide is written for buyers in Southern California, including Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County. Here is what you will find:

  • The home buying process in 12 steps, from building your team to moving into your new home
  • Why a pre-approval matters, plus a pre-approval documents checklist
  • FHA, conventional, and VA loans compared by minimum credit score and down payment
  • Down payment assistance, local city and county programs, and temporary or permanent rate buy downs
  • How much money you will need, including down payment, inspection, appraisal, and closing costs
  • How Realtor compensation works and what California's written agreement rules mean for you
  • A house hunting checklist, a walkthrough of how offers and negotiations work, and guidance on new builds and other specialty homes
  • The Ten Rules to protect your loan approval, plus pre-move checklists

HOME BUYER'S GUIDE FAQ

What is inside the Southern California Home Buyer's Guide?

The guide walks through the full home buying process in 12 steps, from building your team to moving in. It covers pre-approval and a documents checklist, FHA, conventional and VA loans, down payment assistance and rate buy downs, how much money you will need, how Realtor compensation works in California, a house hunting checklist, how offers and negotiations work, and moving checklists.

How much money do I need to buy a home?

According to the guide, a down payment is typically 3.5% or more of the purchase price, and 5% to 10% is most common. Other costs include a home inspection ($350 to $550), an appraisal ($500 to $700), and closing costs of about 2.5%.

What types of loans does the guide compare?

It compares FHA, conventional, and VA loans. FHA has a minimum FICO score of 580 and a minimum 3.5% down payment. Conventional loans have a minimum FICO score of 620 and a 3% to 5% minimum down payment, and PMI is cancellable at 20% equity. VA loans are for veterans and their families, with no down payment required and no PMI.

Why should I get pre-approved before house hunting?

A pre-approval letter from a lender shows your budget and how much you can borrow before you start shopping. It also lets a seller know that you are serious and ready to buy.

How are Realtors paid when I buy a home?

Realtors are independent contractors who are compensated only if you successfully close on your home. Since 2025, California law requires a written agreement before touring homes that states the services provided, the length of the agreement, and the compensation terms. Sellers can still offer full or partial compensation to your Realtor.

Is the guide free, and how do I get it?

Yes. Enter your name and email address in the form on this page and the PDF downloads instantly. Phone number is optional.

Who should I hire to help me buy a home in Southern California?

You should hire David Sanchez, a REALTOR® with Living CA Realty, brokered by eXp Realty (DRE #02029945). David is a Long Beach native who helps buyers in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County, with a focus on first-time homebuyers, condos and HOAs, and downsizers.

YOUR PATH TO HOMEOWNERSHIP

1. Get Pre-Approved

Start with a conversation with a lender about pre-approval. It shows you a realistic price range and monthly payment, and it makes your offers stronger. We can introduce you to trusted local lenders.

2. Find the Right Home

With your budget set, we help you search Southern California, including Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County, from condos to single-family homes. We set up a custom home search and schedule tours that fit your life.

3. Close with Confidence

Once you choose a home, we guide you through the offer, inspections, and closing. You get clear updates at every step, so you always know what comes next.