The Home Buyer's Guide — Jorge Caceres, Team Caceres, Downey CA

TeamCaceres

Buyer's Guide · Vol. 01

The Home
Buyer's
Guide

From pre-approval to keys in hand — everything you need to buy with confidence in Southern California.

Jorge Caceres · 562.419.4663Tap to open →

Inside this guide

Your path home, one step at a time.

Each stage of buying, explained — so you always know what's next.

  1. 03Meet Jorge
  2. 04Know your numbers
  3. 05Get pre-approved
  4. 06Costs to plan for
  5. 07Search & tour
  6. 08Making an offer
  7. 09Escrow, step by step
  8. 10Closing day
  9. 11Let's talk
02Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

Your agent

Jorge Caceres

Meet Jorge.

REALTOR® · DRE # 01133237

Team Caceres · Downey, CA

Jorge Caceres helps families across Downey, Long Beach and greater Los Angeles find the right home — and negotiate the right deal. He works in English and Spanish, and he's with you from the first conversation to the final signature.

“My job is to make sure you never feel lost in the process.”
03Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

Step 01

Know your numbers.

Before you look at homes, get clear on what you can comfortably afford — not just what a lender will approve.

1

Credit

Check your score and fix errors early. Higher scores mean better rates.

2

Debt-to-income

Most lenders look for total monthly debts under about 43% of income.

3

Savings

Plan for a down payment, closing costs and a cushion for moving and repairs.

4

Monthly payment

Include taxes, insurance and any HOA — not just the loan.

04Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

Step 02

Get pre-approved.

A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're serious and tells you exactly what price range to shop in. In a competitive market, offers without one are often passed over.

Common loan types

Conventional

From 3% down

FHA

From 3.5% down

VA

0% down for veterans

CalHFA

CA down-payment help

Programs and requirements vary by lender. Jorge can connect you with trusted local lenders.

05Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

At a glance

Costs to plan for.

ItemTypicalWhen
Earnest money1–3% of priceWith offer
Home inspection$400–$800In escrow
Appraisal$500–$900In escrow
Down payment0–20%At closing
Closing costs2–5% of loanAt closing
Moving & setupVariesAfter keys

Your earnest money is credited toward your purchase at closing.

06Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

Step 03

Search
& tour.

Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves: bedrooms, commute, schools, yard, parking. Jorge sets up MLS alerts so you see new listings the moment they hit the market.

  • Tour at different times of day
  • Check water pressure, windows & roof
  • Walk the neighborhood
  • Take photos and notes at every home

07 · Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

Step 04

Making an offer.

When you find the one, Jorge pulls recent comparable sales so your offer is grounded in real numbers — then negotiates on your behalf.

Price

Based on comparable sales and market demand.

Contingencies

Inspection, appraisal and loan protections for you.

Timeline

Escrow length and your preferred move-in date.

08Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

Step 05

Escrow, step by step.

Once your offer is accepted, you enter escrow — typically 30 to 45 days.

Days 1–3

Deposit earnest money

Days 1–10

Home inspection & disclosures

Days 10–17

Appraisal & remove contingencies

Days 17–30

Final loan approval

Final week

Walk-through & sign documents

09Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

Step 06

Closing day.

Bring with you

  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Funds by wire or cashier's check (verify wire details by phone!)
  • Proof of homeowner's insurance
  • Any final documents from your lender

Then — the keys are yours.

10Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

Ready when you are

Let's find your home.

Book a free buyer consultation and get a plan built around your budget, timeline and goals. Hablamos español.

Call or text

562.419.4663

Email

jorge@teamcaceres.com

Office

12155 Paramount Blvd.
Downey, CA 90242

11 · Jorge Caceres · REALTOR®

TeamCaceres

Jorge Caceres

REALTOR® · DRE # 01133237

562.419.4663

12155 Paramount Blvd. · Downey, CA 90242

Equal Housing Opportunity. Figures are typical estimates for general guidance only and are not guaranteed.

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How to buy a home in Downey, Long Beach and Los Angeles County

  1. Know your numbers: Check your credit, debt-to-income ratio, savings and the full monthly payment including taxes, insurance and HOA.
  2. Get pre-approved: A lender pre-approval letter shows sellers you are serious. Common loans: Conventional (from 3% down), FHA (from 3.5%), VA (0% for veterans) and CalHFA down-payment help.
  3. Plan for costs: Earnest money (1–3%), inspection, appraisal, down payment and closing costs (about 2–5% of the loan).
  4. Search and tour: List must-haves, set up MLS alerts and tour homes at different times of day.
  5. Make an offer: Base price on comparable sales and include inspection, appraisal and loan contingencies.
  6. Escrow: Typically 30–45 days: deposit, inspections and disclosures, appraisal, contingency removal, final loan approval and walk-through.
  7. Closing day: Bring photo ID, verified funds and proof of homeowner's insurance, then receive your keys.

Jorge Caceres, REALTOR® (DRE # 01133237), Team Caceres, 12155 Paramount Blvd., Downey, CA 90242. Call 562-419-4663 or email jorge@teamcaceres.com. Se habla español.