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Buying guide · Riverside County, CA

Buy a home straight from the owner, one step at a time

Answer a few questions. Then we walk you through each step in plain words: what to do, who does it, when, and what it costs. We tell you plainly when to bring in a professional. Confused by a word? See plain-English meanings.

Scam safety: never wire money based on an email or text.Call escrow at a number you looked up yourself before sending any money. Owners never need your bank login. Report fraud to the FBI (IC3) ↗

DTO Homes is not a broker or law firm. This is general information, not advice. DTO Homes doesn’t write or negotiate offers and never holds money.

1. A few quick questions0 of 8 answered. Skip any you’re not sure about.
How will you pay?
Is this your first home?First-time buyers may qualify for state help with the down payment.
Will you live in the home?
Do you already have a buyer’s agent?
What kind of property?
Is it in an HOA?An HOA is a group you’d pay monthly dues to, common in condos and planned communities.
Was the home built before 1978?Older homes may have lead paint. The listing or seller can tell you the year.
Want a real estate attorney or a licensed pro to handle the contract?Many buyers without an agent hire one for the offer and contract.
Done · 0 of 25
Step 1 of 25Part 1 of 6: Get ready

Know what you can spend, and line up help for the hard parts.

Know your budget

Recommended

Figure out the most you can pay each month, then work backward to a price. Remember taxes, insurance and HOA dues, not just the loan.

What to do

  1. Add up your monthly take-home pay and bills.
  2. Use the free CFPB tools (link below) to see a safe monthly payment.
  3. Save for the down payment plus closing costs.
Who does it
You
When
Before you look at homes.
Cost
Free
More detail and the official rules
What it is
A monthly budget that includes the loan payment, property tax (about 1% of the price plus any special taxes), home insurance and HOA dues.
Why
The payment is what you live with every month. Lenders may approve more than is comfortable.
How
  1. List your income and debts.
  2. Estimate property tax: about 1% of the price is typical in California, plus Mello-Roos or other special taxes in many newer Riverside County areas.
  3. Get a home insurance estimate early; costs vary a lot by fire risk.

DTO Homes is not a broker or law firm. This is general information, not advice.

What buying will cost

Buyer costs vary a lot. If you’re getting a loan, your lender’s Loan Estimate lists yours.

  • Down payment: depends on your loan
  • Lender fees, appraisal and prepaid interest: see your Loan Estimate
  • Lender’s title insurance (buyers usually pay in Riverside County): varies
  • Your share of the escrow fee: varies (set by your contract)
  • Home inspection and any extra checks: varies, usually a few hundred dollars and up
  • Home insurance: varies a lot by fire risk
  • HOA transfer or document fees, if your contract has you pay them: varies
  • Attorney or licensed pro for your contract (optional, but many buyers hire one): varies; ask for a flat fee

Buyer’s agent fee you wouldn’t pay (estimate): enter a price and a %

This is an estimate. Whether a buyer’s agent fee would come from you, the seller, or not at all depends on your agreements.

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Buying guide · DTO Homes