Free guide · First-time buyers · Orange County

First-time buyer checklist (Orange County)

Ten things to sort out before you fall in love with a listing — the same list I walk every first-time buyer through. Read it here, or get it by email with three short follow-ups.

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No credit pull, no application — just the checklist. Unsubscribe any time.

The checklist

10 steps, in order.

Know your comfortable monthly numberDecide what you want to pay each month before anyone tells you what you "qualify" for.
Check your credit reportsPull all three for free, dispute any errors, and don't open new accounts while you shop.
Save for more than the down paymentClosing costs, moving, and a cushion for the first repairs all land in the same few months.
Gather your documentsTwo years of tax returns, two months of bank statements, recent pay stubs and a photo ID.
Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualifiedIn Orange County, sellers expect a real pre-approval letter with your offer.
Learn the local extrasMello-Roos, HOA dues and special assessments change the monthly picture in many OC neighborhoods.
Ask about first-time buyer programsDown-payment assistance and state programs exist; eligibility varies, so ask early.
Pick your agent and loan officer as a teamThey should talk to each other — in the language you prefer.
Budget time for inspectionsGeneral, termite and sewer on older homes; roof and drainage near the coast.
Plan your move-in monthProperty taxes, insurance and utilities start right away — set the dates before you close.

Get it by email

Send me the checklist.

You'll get the PDF right away, plus three short emails over the next week. That's it.

What happens next

3 follow-up emails, written once, sent automatically.

Every person who downloads the checklist gets these — in your voice, on your schedule. Sample copy below.

Day 0 · WelcomeSent instantly

Your Orange County first-time buyer checklist (PDF inside)

Hi {first name} — here's the checklist you asked for. Print it or keep it on your phone.

Start with #1, your comfortable monthly number. Everything else gets easier once you know it. Questions? Just reply — it comes straight to me.

— Jordan

Day 3 · Education3 days later

3 questions to ask before pre-approval

Before anyone pulls your credit, ask: 1) Which documents do you need from me, and when? 2) Which programs fit my situation, and why? 3) What will my total monthly payment include — taxes, insurance, HOA?

Any loan officer should answer all three clearly. If you'd like, reply and I'll answer them for you.

Day 7 · Invite7 days later

Ready to talk?

No pressure. If you want 15 minutes to walk through your numbers, pick a time here — or reply with a good time to call.

Not there yet? That's fine; the checklist is yours to keep. — Jordan, (714) 555-0100

Sample copy — the live sequence is written with you and sent from your email address.