Buying your first home? Start with the real number.
Most first-time buyers start with list prices. I start with your monthly payment: loan, taxes, insurance, HOA and mortgage insurance. Once that number is real, the search gets a lot easier.
Step one: financing and help programs
Before we tour, you'll talk with a lender and get pre-approved. FHA loans can start at 3.5% down, some conventional loans at 3%, and VA loans can be $0 down for eligible veterans.
California also has down payment and closing cost help, like CalHFA's MyHome Assistance, plus city and county programs that open in rounds. Some only work with certain lenders and first mortgages, so we check before you pick a loan, not after.
Step two: a search built around your budget
We'll compare neighborhoods and property types side by side. In LA and Orange County, the trade-off is often a condo or townhome closer in versus a single-family home a little further out. I'll show you both with real payments.
Step three: offers that actually win
The highest price doesn't always win. Sellers look at your financing, contingency periods, close date and how ready you are. I'll build your offer around what the seller needs and what the comps support.
Then I protect you through escrow: inspections, appraisal, disclosures, and the contingency deadlines that decide whether you can still walk away.
★★★★★“He not only got us our very first house, but is currently helping my little brother in buying one. If it wasn't for Memo I doubt we would be living in the home of our dreams.”First-time buyers
Straight answers.
How much do I need to buy my first home in California?
It depends on the loan and price. FHA can start at 3.5% down, some conventional loans at 3%, and VA can be $0 down for eligible veterans. Plan for closing costs too, though seller credits and assistance programs can help.
Is there down payment assistance in LA County?
Often, yes. CalHFA programs are statewide, and LA County and some cities run their own programs that open in rounds. Rules and funding change, so confirm current availability with a CalHFA-approved lender.
Do I need to pay a buyer's agent?
You'll sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring that spells out the services and compensation. Compensation is negotiable, and in many deals the seller pays some or all of it. I'll walk you through it on our first call.
How long does it take to buy a home?
Once you're in contract, escrow often runs about 21 to 30 days. The search before that depends on your budget, area and the market, which is why we start with financing.
Start with 15 minutes.
Tell me what you're trying to do and when. I'll tell you what it takes, what it costs, and the smartest first step. No pressure, no script.