Sahar Maynard Real Estate

How to Begin Your Home Purchase Process

Start-to-Finish: From Pre-Approval to Offer

Thinking about buying a home in Santa Clarita? Here’s a clear, step-by-step path from getting mortgage pre-approval to submitting a strong offer—so you can move with confidence in the SCV real estate market.

Whether your dream home is in Valencia, Saugus, Newhall or Canyon Country, homes for sale in Santa Clarita are a hot commodity. Despite the slowdown in home purchases nationwide, homes in Santa Clarita Valley are selling faster than those in most of Los Angeles county on average. There are also multiple new developments in progress and it only takes one look at the gorgeously finished new construction models to fall in love.

Whether you are a first time home buyer, an investor or anywhere in between, buying a home in Santa Clarita is always best handled by a trusted and experienced Santa Clarita Realtor®.

Let’s go through the process together, step-by-step, to make sure you are ready to put in a winning offer when you find your dream home.

Step 1: Get Ready Financially

  • Check your budget: List income, debts, and comfort monthly payment. Factor property taxes, HOA/Mello-Roos (common in SCV), insurance, and utilities.
  • Boost credit & cash: Pay down revolving balances, avoid new debt, and set aside funds for down payment + closing costs (≈2–3%) and an emergency buffer.

Step 2: Choose a Lender & Get Pre-Approved

  • Shop 2–3 reputable lenders (banks, credit unions, local mortgage brokers). Compare rate, APR, points, lender fees, and turn times.
  • Assemble documents: Last 30 days of pay stubs, 2 years W-2s/1099s & tax returns, 2–3 months of bank statements, ID, and any gift-fund letter.
  • Pre-approval vs. pre-qualification: A pre-approval verifies your income/credit and carries real weight with sellers. Ask for a DU/LP approval if possible.
  • Discuss loan options: Conventional vs. FHA vs. VA, fixed vs. ARM, and down-payment programs for first-time homebuyers in Santa Clarita.

Step 3: Define Your Search

  • Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves: Beds/baths, schools, commute, yard/condo, HOA rules, pet policies, parking.
  • Neighborhood focus: Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Castaic—each has different price points, HOAs, and CFD/Mello-Roos.
  • Set a search radius + price band: Use homes for sale in Santa Clarita filters aligned to your pre-approval.

Step 4: Start Touring (Smartly)

  • Batch showings: See 3–6 homes per outing; take notes and photos (exteriors/interiors, street noise, sun exposure).
  • Look beyond staging: Check windows, roof age, HVAC, plumbing, water pressure, and any signs of moisture.
  • Research in real time: Review recent comps (last 60–90 days), days on market, price reductions, and seller disclosures if available.

Step 5: Refine Your Offer Strategy

  • Market read: Is the micro-area a seller’s, balanced, or buyer’s market? Strategy changes with competition.
  • Offer price: Anchor to comps and condition, not just list price. Consider escalation clauses when multiple offers are expected.
  • Contingencies: Financing, appraisal, and inspection are the big three. Tighten timelines rather than waiving blindly.
  • Earnest money (EMD): Typically 1–3% in SoCal; signals commitment and is credited at closing.
  • Closing timeline: Typical is 21–30 days for financed offers; confirm your lender’s speed.

Step 6: Build a Strong Offer Package

  • Price + terms: Competitive price, realistic appraisal plan (see below), and clear inspection timelines.
  • Proof of funds + pre-approval letter: Ask your lender to tailor the letter to the property/price.
  • Personalization (optional): Some sellers value flexibility on rent-backs or closing date more than price.
  • Appraisal planning: If the area is rising fast, discuss an appraisal gap strategy (limited gap coverage, price reductions, or renegotiation triggers).

Step 7: Submit & Negotiate

  • Speed matters: In hot SCV pockets, being first (and clean) helps.
  • Counteroffers: Expect back-and-forth on price, credits, repairs, and timelines. Keep your max monthly and cash limits front-and-center.
  • Disclosures review: Read TDS, SPQ, NHD, HOA docs, CC&Rs, and any recent permits. Ask questions before you remove contingencies.

Step 8: After Offer Acceptance (Quick Preview)

  • Deposit your EMD by the contractual deadline.
  • Order inspections (general + specialized if needed: roof, sewer, mold).
  • Lock your rate and move the loan to underwriting; quickly satisfy any conditions to stay on schedule.

Quick Santa Clarita Notes (Local Buyers’ Edge)

  • Mello-Roos/CFD taxes: Common in newer communities; they affect your monthly payment and qualifying power.
  • HOA considerations: Budget for dues, amenities, and any special assessments.
  • Commuter routes: 5, 14, and MetroLink access can influence value and resale.
  • New construction vs. resale: Builders may offer credits but bring your agent early to protect your interests.

Handy Checklist:

  • ✅ Pull free credit report; fix errors
  • ✅ Price out total monthly (PITI + HOA + Mello-Roos)
  • ✅ Interview 2–3 lenders; secure written pre-approval
  • ✅ Collect all docs; ask about down-payment assistance
  • ✅ Define neighborhoods + must-haves
  • ✅ Tour with comps in hand; note red flags
  • ✅ Align on offer price, contingencies, timelines
  • ✅ Prepare appraisal/inspection game plan
  • ✅ Submit offer with proof of funds + tailored pre-approval