Buying your first home in Redding and Shasta County
Lenders generally call you a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home in the previous three yearssource, so you may qualify even if you have owned before. Start by talking to a lender about pre-approval, then we look at homes together and check which assistance programs fit.
The steps, in order
- Get pre-approved. A lender reviews your credit, income and savings and tells you what you may qualify for. Pre-approval vs. pre-qualification.
- Check assistance programs. Some programs help with the down payment or closing costs. See the programs.
- Search with a buyer's agent who works for you.
- Ask about insurance early. In some areas it takes extra work to find coverage. Read the insurance guide.
- Make an offer and negotiate it.
- Your offer is accepted and you put down a deposit.
- Do the home and pest inspections. They tell you what condition the home is in.
- Negotiate repairs, credits or price based on what the inspections find, or walk away if the deal no longer works for you.
- Close escrow and get your keys.
Mistakes I help buyers avoid
- Not checking assistance programs before picking a loan.
- Shopping for homes before getting pre-approved.
- Using the seller's listing agent as your only agent.
- Skipping the home and pest inspections to make an offer look stronger.
- Waiting for the "perfect" moment. Nobody can tell you when rates or prices will move, so make decisions from your own budget and goals.
A real CalHFA purchase
I helped Elisabeth use a CalHFA loan to buy her home. CalHFA shares her story in its Featured Videos oncalhfa.ca.gov (checked October 6, 2026):"A home for Elisabeth". Every buyer's situation and loan options are different, and CalHFA program rules change, so check CalHFA for current requirements.
Common questions
Do I need a big down payment to buy my first home?
No. Many loan programs allow a smaller down payment, and some VA-backed loans allow none. What you need depends on the loan type, the lender and your finances, so get a written estimate from a lender before you decide how much to save.
Who pays the closing costs?
Closing costs are usually paid at closing. In some purchases the buyer negotiates a credit from the seller toward them, but whether that is possible depends on the home, the market, the offer and the limits of your loan. We talk through this before you make an offer.
Do I need a buyer's agent?
You are not required to have one, but a buyer's agent works for you, helps you negotiate and guides you through inspections. A listing agent has a contract with the seller. If you work with me, we sign a buyer representation agreement first, so you know exactly what we do for you.
Should I talk to a lender before I start looking at homes?
Yes. A lender can tell you what you may qualify for and which assistance programs might fit. That makes your offers stronger and keeps you from falling for a home outside your budget.
I'm not a lender, and I don't quote rates. A lender can give you a current, written estimate. I can introduce you to lenders if you'd like, and you choose who to work with.
Last verified: 2026-10-06