Home buying guide
Buying a home in California
California's effective property-tax rate is about 0.693%, below the U.S. average of 0.888%. It's a title/escrow state (a title or escrow company handles closing). Here's what buying here actually costs, and the steps to get the keys.
Property taxes in California
California's effective property-tax rate is about 0.693%of a home's value per year, lower than the U.S. average of 0.888%. On a $500,000 home that's roughly $3,465 a year.
Closing costs in California
California is a title/escrow state (no attorney required), and Transfer taxes vary in CA — confirm locally. On a $400,000 home, estimated closing costs run about $7,112–$10,412 on top of your down payment.
First-time buyer programs in California
California runs a housing finance agency with first-time-buyer help: down-payment assistance, below-market first mortgages, and mortgage tax credits.
How much house can you afford in California?
What you can afford depends on your income, debts, and down payment, not just the home price. California's property taxes above feed straight into the monthly payment lenders measure against your income.
Enter your numbers once and see your real affordability range, debt-to-income, and rent-vs-buy break-even for California:
The steps to buy a home in California
Home Buying Steps walks you through the whole process, from checking if you're ready to getting pre-approved to closing day, one clear step at a time, tailored to California where the rules differ.
See your real numbers for California
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