20.8% of homes are now selling for less than the asking price in Los Angeles. You have the opportunity to save thousands on your dream home!
The market is also experiencing a 10% increase in homes for sale compared to last year, providing you with more options. This rise in inventory and fewer bidding wars make the environment favorable for home buyers.
Additionally, homes in Los Angeles sell after 40 days on the market. This is less than other California cities, but it gives you more room to negotiate the selling price competitively. Act NOW! Buy a house in the City of Angels.
5 Key Points Before You Buy a House
- Median Home Price in Los Angeles: As of June 30, the median home price in Los Angeles is $972,829.
- Mortgage Interest Rate: The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in Los Angeles is currently at 6.52%, whereas a 15-year FRM stands at 5.69 %.
- Credit Score Requirement: To secure better interest rates, aim for a credit score of 670 or higher. The average credit score required in California is 712.
- Down Payment and Closing Cost Requirement: Allocate 20% of the home’s sale price towards a down payment, and budget 2% to 5% for closing costs.
- Cheapest Places to Live in Los Angeles: Carson and Long Beach are some of the cheapest places to buy a house in Los Angeles, where median rent is about $1,500.
How to Buy a House in Los Angeles, California in 5 Steps
We have simplified the process of buying a home in LA, in 5 simple steps:
Step 1: Check Your Financial Health
You must evaluate your budget before you buy a house. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check Your Credit Score: Your credit score determines how much you can borrow and the interest rates you qualify for. You can obtain a free credit report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
- Find Your DTI Score: Lenders use the DTI score to determine your eligible mortgage amount. A DTI of 36% or lower is ideal. To calculate your DTI ratio, divide your monthly debts by your gross monthly income.
- Determine Your Budget: You can use a mortgage calculator to determine the maximum house price that fits within your budget.
💡 Pro Tip: Find out whether your seller has appropriately priced the house with a free house worth estimator.
Step 2: Find the Right Mortgage and Plan for the Down Payment
The average down payment on a house depends on the type of mortgage you opt for. A higher down payment reduces the amount you need to borrow and lowers your monthly mortgage payments. Consider the following loan options:
| Loan Type | Minimum Down Payment | Best for |
| Conventional Loan | 20% | Strong credit score & steady income homebuyers |
| FHA Loan | 3.5% | First-time homebuyers |
| VA Loan | 0% | Veterans & eligible service members |
| USDA Loan | 0% | Rural homebuyers (income limits apply) |
👉 Don’t have money for a downpayment? VA loans and USDA loans can help you buy a house with no money down in the City of Angels.
Step 3: Get a Mortgage Pre-approval Letter
It’s crucial to get a mortgage pre-approval before you start house hunting in Los Angeles. A pre-approval letter shows the seller that you are a serious buyer. It also helps you negotiate better in a competitive market.
Apply for Pre-Approval
Choose Your Loan Type
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New Home Purchase
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Mortgage Refinance
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Cash-out Refinance
Step 4: Start Your Home Search
Now that you’re financially prepared, it’s time to find your dream home! Traditionally, home buyers rely on real estate agents to navigate listings on the MLS and local inventory. But there are other ways to find a house in LA:
- Search Listings Online: Use online platforms like Houzeo and Redfin to browse some of the best neighborhoods in LA to buy a house.
- Consider FSBO (For Sale By Owner): Look for Los Angeles, CA Homes For Sale By Owner listings to bypass Realtor commissions and negotiate directly with sellers.
- Visit Open Houses: Attend open houses to understand different neighborhoods and property types.
💡 Pro Tip: Search Properties Without a Realtor!
High tech house hunting sites like Houzeo allow you to buy a house without a Realtor. With Houzeo’s mobile app, you can easily search for homes by location, mark your favorites, schedule showings, and make offers.
Step 5: Make an Offer and Close the Deal
Once you find your dream home, it’s time to make an offer and close the deal. Here’s how:
- Submit Your Offer: Decide on a competitive price and offer terms based on the fair market value and your budget. Then, draft a letter that includes price, terms, and contingencies. Finally, negotiate effectively to reach an agreement with the seller.
- Schedule a Home Inspection and Appraisal: Once your offer is accepted, find a home inspector in Los Angeles, CA to uncover any potential issues. Your lender will arrange a home appraisal to ensure the property’s value aligns with your offer.
- Close the Deal: Review the closing disclosure, which outlines the final loan terms and expenses. Budget for closing costs, which can be 2% to 5% of the purchase price. You can sign the paperwork and receive the keys to your new home.
👉 Buyer Closing Cost Calculator: Estimate your closing cost as a buyer in Los Angeles.
Bottom Line
Buying a house in Los Angeles now is a smart move as houses are staying long in the market and are sold below the list price. Plan your down payment and closing costs in advance to avoid falling short of cash. Likewise, maintain a healthy credit score to avoid getting rejected at the time of pre-approval.
It’s not easy to close on a house but careful planning and pre-approval can put you ahead of the competition. To further enhance your home-buying journey in LA, consider using online real estate platforms like Houzeo.
Buy Your New Home in Los Angeles With Houzeo
With thousands of property listings, Houzeo.com is one of the biggest property listing sites in the US. Find condos, townhouses, co-ops, and other types of homes for sale in Los Angeles, CA on Houzeo.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles a good place to buy a home?
Yes, Los Angeles is one of the best places to buy a house in California. It has iconic neighborhoods like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, and is home to Hollywood and the Getty Center. The city's housing market is growing and offers great investment opportunities.
How much does it cost to buy a house in Los Angeles?
The average cost to build a house in Los Angeles is $400-$480 per square foot. But the price can vary based on factors such as the property type, square footage, and the customizations you decide upon.
How much is a down payment on a house in Los Angeles?
The down payment on a house in LA depends on the type of mortgage you choose. For a conventional loan, you have to put down 20%, whereas for FHA loans you have to put 3.5% money down.
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