Steps to Buy a House in Turlock: A Complete Home Buying Checklist for First-Time Buyers

If you're thinking about buying your first home in Turlock, you're in the right place. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through all the steps to buy a house in Turlock, including how much down payment you’ll need, what to expect during the process, and a handy home buying checklist. Whether you're just starting or ready to make an offer, this post has everything you need.

1. Understand Your Budget and How Much Down Payment You’ll Need

Buying a house starts with knowing what you can afford.

What Does Affordability Mean?

Affordability isn’t just the home’s price. It includes:

• Your monthly mortgage payment

• Property taxes

• Insurance

• HOA fees (if any)

• Down payment

• Closing costs

In Turlock, the average home price is around $450,000 to $500,000 (Realtor.com).

How Much Down Payment for a House?

Here are typical down payment options:

• FHA loans: Minimum 3.5%

• Conventional loans: As low as 3% for qualified buyers

• VA and USDA loans: 0% down if eligible

That means:

• For a $450,000 home, 3% = $13,500

• For 20% down = $90,000

Down Payment Help in Turlock

Turlock offers help for first-time homebuyers. The City of Turlock provides up to $50,000 or 40% of the purchase price for qualified applicants. (City of Turlock Program)

Useful Tool

Use Emil Real Estate Services Mortgage Calculator to see how much you can afford.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Once you know your budget, it’s time to get pre-approved.

What is Pre-Approval?

Pre-approval means a lender has looked at your financial info and told you how much you can borrow. This helps:

• Narrow your search to homes in your price range

• Make your offer stronger to sellers

Documents You’ll Need

To get pre-approved, prepare:

• Last 2 years of tax returns

• Recent pay stubs (30 days)

• Bank statements (last 2–3 months)

• Photo ID

Local Lenders in Turlock

You can contact:

• Emil Soleyman

For more details, check out this pre-approval guide.

3. Hire a Local Real Estate Agent in Turlock

A good real estate agent makes buying your first home much easier.

Why a Local Agent Matters

In Turlock, a local agent knows:

• The best neighborhoods

• School ratings

• Average price per square foot

• Market trends

Your agent will:

• Show you homes that match your budget and needs

• Help you make offers

• Guide you through closing

4. Create Your Home Buying Checklist

Now it’s time to get organized with a buying a home checklist.

Why Use a Checklist?

Buying a home is emotional. A checklist helps you:

• Stay on budget

• Stick to your needs

• Avoid buying based on emotion

What to Include

Write down:

• Preferred neighborhoods

• Max price

• Home type (single-family, condo, etc.)

• of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Lot size

• Commute time

• Proximity to schools or work

• Desired condition (turnkey or fixer-upper)

Download a sample Home Buying Checklist.

5. Start House Hunting in Turlock

Now comes the fun part—seeing homes!

Where to Look

Use real estate sites to browse Turlock listings:

• emilrealestate.com

Tips for Touring Homes

• Bring your checklist

• Visit homes at different times of day

• Check noise levels and traffic

• Ask about recent updates or repairs

• Look at roof, HVAC, plumbing, and foundation

Tour at least 3–5 homes before making an offer. Take notes and photos to compare.

6. Make an Offer and Go Into Escrow

Once you find your dream home, it’s time to make an offer.

Making a Competitive Offer

Your agent will:

• Compare nearby homes (comps)

• Help decide the offer price

• Include contingencies (inspection, appraisal, financing)

• Write the offer letter

You’ll also need earnest money (1–3% of the purchase price) to show you’re serious.

What Happens After the Offer is Accepted?

You enter escrow, where a third party holds your money and paperwork until everything is finalized. In Turlock, escrow usually lasts 30–45 days.

7. What to Expect Buying a Home During Escrow

Now let’s walk through what to expect buying a home after your offer is accepted.

Home Inspection

Hire a licensed inspector to check:

• Foundation and roof

• HVAC and electrical

• Plumbing and water heater

• Mold or pests

If big problems show up, you can ask the seller to fix them or lower the price.

Home Appraisal

The lender will send an appraiser to confirm the home is worth what you offered.

• If appraisal is low, you might have to negotiate again.

• If it’s high or exact, you move forward.

Final Mortgage Approval

The lender:

• Re-checks credit and income

• Confirms no big financial changes

• Sends final loan docs

Title and Home Insurance

Before closing, you’ll:

• Buy title insurance (protects your ownership)

• Buy homeowners insurance (required by lender)

Read more about the steps from contract to keys here: Bank of America

8. Final Walkthrough and Closing Day

You’re almost a homeowner!

Final Walkthrough

24–48 hours before closing, you’ll tour the home one last time to:

• Confirm agreed-upon repairs were made

• Make sure the home hasn’t changed

• Check systems and appliances are working

Closing Day

You’ll:

• Sign all loan and legal paperwork

• Pay closing costs (2–5% of purchase price)

• Get the keys!

What to bring:

• Government-issued ID

• Cashier’s check or wire for closing funds

• Proof of homeowners insurance

9. Move In and Post-Purchase Checklist

Your new chapter begins!

After You Move In

Make sure to:

• Change locks

• Set up water, electricity, and internet

• Update your address (DMV, bank, subscriptions)

• Test smoke detectors

• Review your inspection report again

Don’t forget to meet your new neighbors and explore the area!

Conclusion

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right team and a clear home buying checklist, the process becomes manageable and even enjoyable. By following these steps to buy a house in Turlock, you’ll be ready to make smart decisions and find the perfect place to call home.

Need help finding your dream home? Contact a local Turlock agent and get started today!