How the Home-Buying Process Works in the Bay Area (Step-by-Step Guide)

This is how the home-buying process works in the San Francisco Bay Area.

You start by interviewing real estate agents to find the right fit. Then, get a pre-approval letter from a lender so you know your budget.

Next, set your search criteria and start looking at homes.

Once you find a home you like, request and review the disclosures. After that, you submit an offer.

If your offer is accepted, you’ll deposit 3% of the purchase price into an account called escrow.

Your lender will then order an appraisal, and you’ll secure homeowners insurance. If inspections weren’t done before, this is when you’ll complete them.

Next, you’ll remove contingencies (if any) and choose a home warranty.

About five days before closing, you’ll do a final walkthrough of the property.

Then, you’ll transfer utilities, sign closing documents, and your lender will fund the loan. The title will be recorded with the county, escrow will disburse funds, and you’ll receive the keys to your new home.