Free Resource · Southern California
Your Complete SoCal
Home Buying & Selling
Checklist
Every step, in the right order — so nothing slips through the cracks on the biggest transaction of your life.
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34
steps covered
2
guides in one
100%
free
SoCal
specific
Your buying progress
0 of 18 complete
1
Get Your Finances Ready
Check your credit score
Aim for 620+ for conventional loans, 580+ for FHA. Free at annualcreditreport.com
Calculate your true monthly budget
Include mortgage, taxes, insurance & HOA. Rule of thumb: 28% of gross monthly income on housing.
Save for down payment & closing costs
Closing costs in SoCal typically run 2–3% of the purchase price — plan for both.
Get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified)
A pre-approval letter is required to make competitive offers in SoCal's market. Pre-qualification alone won't cut it.
2
Find Your Home
Define your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
Beds, baths, yard, garage, school district, commute. Write the list before you tour — it keeps emotions in check.
Choose your SoCal market & neighborhood
High Desert, Inland Empire, LA, OC, SD — each has very different price points and lifestyle tradeoffs.
Tour homes in person when possible
Photos always flatter. Walk the street, check cell service, and visit at different times of day.
Review recent comparable sales before offering
Your agent pulls these — don't rely on Zillow's Zestimate. It's often off by 5–15% in SoCal.
3
Make an Offer & Go Under Contract
Submit a competitive offer with your agent
Price, earnest money, contingencies, and close date all matter. In SoCal, clean offers often beat higher prices.
Order a professional home inspection — never skip it
Costs $300–$600 and can save you tens of thousands. Always attend in person.
Negotiate repairs or seller credits after inspection
Credits toward closing costs are often better than asking the seller to fix things themselves.
Review the Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) report
Required in California — covers fire, flood, and earthquake zones. Critical in SoCal.
4
Close & Move In
Lock in your interest rate with your lender
Rate locks typically last 30–60 days. Time it to your expected close date.
Review your Closing Disclosure carefully
You receive this 3 days before closing. Compare every line to your original Loan Estimate — flag any changes.
Do a final walkthrough 24 hours before closing
Make sure agreed repairs are complete and the home is in the same condition as when you made your offer.
Wire your closing funds — verify instructions by phone first
Wire fraud is common in real estate. Always call your escrow officer to confirm wiring details before sending.
Sign closing documents & get your keys 🎉
Change your locks, update your address & set up utilities
You don't know who has a copy of those keys. Change them day one.
1
Prepare to List
Get a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)
Know what your home is actually worth before you price it. Pricing too high costs you time and money.
Calculate your net proceeds
Factor in mortgage payoff, agent commissions (typically 5–6%), closing costs, and capital gains tax implications.
Make strategic pre-sale repairs & improvements
Focus on kitchen, bathrooms, and curb appeal — highest ROI. Avoid over-improving for the neighborhood.
Declutter, deep clean & depersonalize every room
Buyers need to visualize themselves living there. Pack away family photos, clear countertops, and edit furniture.
Stage your home — even basic staging makes a difference
Staged homes in SoCal sell faster and typically for more. At minimum, rearrange furniture to maximize light and flow.
2
List & Market
Professional photography — non-negotiable in SoCal
Video walkthrough and drone footage if budget allows. Bad photos kill listings before buyers ever call.
Go live on MLS + Zillow, Redfin & Realtor.com
Maximum exposure from day one. Your agent handles syndication — confirm all listings look correct.
Host open houses the first weekend on market
The first two weeks generate the most traffic and urgency. Use it — don't save it.
Complete the California Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS)
Required by law. Disclose everything you know about the property's condition — your agent will walk you through it.
3
Review Offers & Negotiate
Review all offer terms — not just the price
Contingencies, close date, down payment amount, and financing type all affect your risk and timeline.
Counter or accept — negotiate credits vs. price reductions
Seller credits at closing often cost less than dropping your price and can keep the deal moving.
Open escrow & provide requested documents promptly
Delays in paperwork are the #1 reason deals fall apart after acceptance. Stay responsive.
4
Close
Review and respond to buyer's repair requests
Pick your battles. A credit is usually faster and easier than coordinating contractors before close.
Allow the buyer's final walkthrough
Have the home in the same condition (or better) as when they made the offer.
Sign closing documents & hand over the keys 🎉
Consult a CPA about capital gains tax implications
California has no separate capital gains exclusion. Federal $250K/$500K exemption may apply — verify with a tax professional.
Ready to make your move?
Whether you're buying your first home, selling, or investing — let's talk through your plan with no pressure.
Daniel Sanchez · eXp Realty · DRE #0140036 · sellingocla.com
