Step 1: Get Financially Ready to Buy a Home

Before looking at homes, it's important to understand your financial position and establish a realistic price range.

Check Your Credit

• Your credit profile can affect the mortgage programs, interest rates and terms available to you.
• Review your credit reports and make sure the information being reported is accurate.
• You can obtain your federally authorized free credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com .

Create a Realistic Home-Buying Budget

Your purchase price isn't the only number to consider. Depending on the property and financing, monthly housing expenses can include:

• Mortgage principal and interest
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Mortgage insurance when applicable
• HOA dues when applicable
• Utilities and ongoing maintenance

Plan for Your Down Payment and Closing Costs

The amount required for a down payment depends on the loan program and your individual qualifications. Some buyers may qualify for programs requiring relatively low down payments, while others may choose to put more money down.

You should also discuss estimated closing costs and cash-to-close with your lender before making an offer.

Get Pre-Approved Before Shopping

A mortgage pre-approval can help establish your buying range and lets you understand the financing options available before you begin making offers.

In a competitive market, having your financing organized can also make the offer process more efficient.

Get Pre-Approved →

Step 2: Build Your Home-Buying Team

Buying a home involves several professionals. Having experienced people helping with each part of the transaction can make the process easier to understand.

Your Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent can help you search for homes, evaluate market conditions, prepare an offer, negotiate terms and navigate the transaction from the initial search through closing.

I work with first-time and experienced buyers throughout Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Azusa, the San Gabriel Valley, the Inland Empire and surrounding Southern California communities.

Your Mortgage Lender

Your lender helps determine which loan programs you may qualify for, your estimated monthly payment, available interest-rate options and the amount of money you may need to complete the purchase.

Your Home Inspector

A professional home inspection can provide valuable information about the property's visible condition.

Depending on the property, buyers may also consider additional inspections or evaluations when appropriate.

Step 3: Start Searching for the Right Home

Once your financing strategy is established, you can begin narrowing the search based on your needs, budget and preferred communities.

Separate Your Needs From Your Wants

Consider making two lists.

• Needs: price range, bedrooms, bathrooms, location, commute requirements and other essentials.
• Wants: pool, larger lot, remodeled kitchen, extra garage space or other features that would be nice to have.

Consider the Location

The home itself matters, but so does its location. Depending on what's important to you, consider factors such as commute patterns, parks, shopping, transportation, neighborhood characteristics and other local amenities.

Buyers interested in Glendora can also explore my Living in Glendora guide for additional local information.

Search Current Homes for Sale

Use PinaHomes to explore available properties and narrow your search by price, location and property features.

Search Homes for Sale →

Step 4: Make an Offer

Once you've found a property you'd like to purchase, we'll review the available information and discuss an offer strategy.

Determine an Offer Price

Rather than choosing a number at random, we can look at factors such as recent comparable sales, current competition, property condition and overall market conditions.

Understand the Terms of the Offer

Price is only one component of a real estate offer. Depending on the transaction, other terms may include:

• Financing terms
• Earnest money deposit
• Inspection and investigation periods
• Appraisal provisions
• Closing timeline
• Seller credits or concessions
• Items included or excluded from the sale

We'll review the offer terms together so you understand what you're agreeing to before signing.

Step 5: Escrow, Inspections and Appraisal

An accepted offer begins the next phase of the transaction.

Open Escrow

Escrow acts as a neutral third party and helps coordinate funds, documents and other requirements associated with the transaction.

Complete Your Investigations

The inspection and investigation period gives you an opportunity to learn more about the property.

If significant issues are discovered, we'll discuss the options available under the terms of your purchase agreement.

Complete the Appraisal When Required

For many financed purchases, the lender orders an appraisal as part of the loan process.

The appraisal is separate from the home inspection. An appraisal primarily addresses value for lending purposes, while an inspection focuses on the property's condition.

Step 6: Final Loan Approval and Closing

As escrow progresses, continue responding promptly to your lender's requests for documentation.

Before closing, you'll typically review your final loan and closing documents and complete any remaining requirements.

Final Walk-Through

Before closing, buyers generally conduct a final walk-through of the property according to the terms of the transaction.

Getting the Keys

Once all required documents are completed, funds are handled and the transaction records, you'll officially become the owner of your new home.

That's the moment every first-time buyer has been working toward: getting the keys to your first home.