From first call to closing
How Our Home Buying Process Works in California
Thinking about selling but not sure where to start? Tell us about the house and when you’d like to move. You can ask for a ballpark figure before arranging a visit.
- Sell without fixing up the house
- Review the offer before you decide
- Plan the closing around your move
“The transaction was smooth and easy and simple. We like your way of doing business.”
Mike & Virginia F. · Apple Valley, CA
Read their review and other seller experiences
From a conversation to a completed sale
You don’t need to have every detail figured out before calling. Start with the house as it is, and we’ll talk through what comes next.
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Tell us about your house
Call (951) 331-3844 or send us the property address. Let us know about any repairs, who lives there, and your timing. If you only want a ballpark offer, say so. You don’t need to clean up or start repairs to get the conversation going.
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See the house, then review the offer
An in-person inspection gives us the most accurate number. We look at the work the house needs and nearby sales, then explain our offer. Before signing, review the price, any conditions, who pays each cost, and the closing date. Ask about anything you don’t understand, and take the agreement to your own attorney if you want advice.
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Close through escrow and get paid
If we reach an agreement and sign, escrow coordinates the closing paperwork and any required payoffs. You review and sign your documents, and we work toward the agreed closing date. Ask escrow for a statement showing what you’ll receive after deductions and when your proceeds should be available.
Before you move forward
A cash offer is only part of the decision. The timing, the agreement, and what you take home matter too.
If you have a tenant, inherited the house, or need to sell from out of state, tell us early so we can discuss what your sale would involve.
How long will it take to close?
Three to five weeks is typical for our purchases, but it isn’t a guaranteed deadline. Tell us if you need a faster sale or more time to move. We’ll discuss a date with you; title problems, required approvals, or access issues can affect what’s possible.
What if I can’t be there for the inspection?
Tell us where you are and who can provide access. We can discuss arrangements for an in-person visit without assuming you’ll travel back. If the house has tenants, access needs to be arranged properly. Escrow can explain the signing options for your location and documents.
Can the number change after a ballpark offer?
Yes. A ballpark figure is based on what we know before inspecting the house. Its condition can affect the offer. Ask what still needs to be checked and whether the purchase agreement allows any further inspections or changes. Once an agreement is signed, the contract governs; a preliminary estimate isn’t a promise of the final price.
Will I receive the full offer amount?
Not necessarily. A mortgage balance or other required payoffs can reduce what you receive. You don’t need to hire a listing agent to sell to us, but check the agreement for which closing costs each party pays. Ask escrow for an estimated closing statement before making plans for the money.
When will the money reach my account?
Escrow releases proceeds after the closing requirements are met, including recording where required. That doesn’t guarantee the money will be available in your bank account the same day. Confirm the payment method and timing with escrow and your bank.
Verify any changed wiring instructions using a phone number you already trust, not one supplied in the message. California’s Department of Real Estate explains this in its wire-fraud warning.
Am I committed just by asking for an offer?
No. Asking for an offer is free and doesn’t require you to sell. Signing a purchase agreement is different: cancellation rights and obligations depend on that agreement and applicable law. Read it before signing and get independent legal advice if you’re unsure.
An overseas owner selling in Ladera Ranch
The owner of 12 Portalon Court contacted us through the website while living abroad. We discussed the property and negotiated the price by email. The seller accepted $875,000, and we helped arrange the sale, which closed in December 2016.
Our records show the seller’s attorney and escrow working through the documents before closing. It wasn’t an instant sale: the first inquiry came in July. If you’re selling from elsewhere, discuss property access and signing arrangements early, especially when other people need to approve or sign documents.
Tell us what you’re considering
Whether you’re ready to sell or just want a ballpark figure, start with the address. We’ll talk about the house and your timing so you can decide whether to take the next step.
Get to know the team
Doug & Andrea Van Soest, co-founders of SoCal Home Buyers · About us