From accepted offer to keys in 30–45 days: opening escrow, earnest money, inspections, the appraisal, removing contingencies, final walkthrough, and closing — each step in order.
After your offer is accepted, the California home buying process runs about 30–45 days: open escrow and deposit earnest money (1–3%), complete inspections and disclosures, get the appraisal and final loan approval, remove your inspection, appraisal, and loan contingencies in writing, do a final walkthrough, then sign, fund, and record. Escrow — handled by escrow and title companies, not attorneys — holds funds until every condition is met. Your rebate is applied at closing.
Once a seller accepts your offer, a 30–45 day clock starts. You open escrow, complete inspections and the appraisal, remove your contingencies, finalize your loan, and close. Here's each step in order, California-style.
This is the escrow-and-beyond detail that follows the big-picture how to buy a home in Southern California guide. If you're earlier in the journey, start there; if you're in contract or about to be, this page is your map.
Escrow is a neutral third party that holds your funds and documents until every condition of the sale is met. In California, escrow and title companies handle this — not attorneys, as in some states. Escrow makes sure money and the deed only change hands when both sides have done what they promised. Your agent coordinates with escrow, the lender, and title so nothing slips.
Your signed purchase agreement (the RPA) opens escrow. You deposit earnest money, typically 1–3% of the price.
Held in escrow and applied to your down payment or closing costs at closing.
Home inspection plus any specialty checks (termite, sewer, roof, chimney). You review findings and can renegotiate.
Sellers provide disclosures (TDS, natural hazard, HOA docs). Read them — they reveal a lot.
Your lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the price. A low appraisal means renegotiating or covering the gap.
The lender verifies everything and issues final approval. Keep your finances still.
When satisfied, you remove loan, appraisal, and inspection contingencies in writing.
A last look to confirm the home's condition and that agreed repairs were done.
You sign loan docs; the lender funds. Your down payment and closing costs are wired in.
The deed records with the county, escrow closes, and the home is yours — rebate applied at closing.
Contingencies let you back out or renegotiate without losing your deposit, if something specific goes wrong. The three big ones:
| Contingency | Protects you if… | Typical window |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection | The home has problems you can't accept | ~7–17 days |
| Appraisal | The home appraises below your price | ~17 days |
| Loan | Your financing falls through | ~17–21 days |
Windows are negotiable and set in your contract. Once removed, backing out usually means losing your earnest money — so removal is deliberate.
We'll manage escrow, deadlines, inspections, and your lender so nothing slips — and apply your rebate at closing.
Disclaimer: Portfolio Home Realty is a licensed California real estate brokerage (DRE #02232009) serving Los Angeles County and Orange County. The buyer rebate is a portion of the buyer-side commission returned to eligible buyers at closing and is generally up to 1% of the purchase price, subject to lender approval and the seller offering buyer-agent compensation. Dollar figures on this page are illustrative estimates, not guarantees. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice — consult your CPA, attorney, or lender about your situation. Equal Housing Opportunity.