How to Buy a House in Southern California: The Ultimate 8-Part Guide for First-Time Buyers

by Michelle Esquivel

Buying your first home in Southern California can feel overwhelming—sky-high prices, complex terms, and endless listings on Zillow. Sound familiar?

You're not alone. That’s why I created a free, step-by-step video series to help you understand each stage of the home-buying journey with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re still renting, debating if now is the right time to buy, or just trying to understand what you can afford, this 8-part YouTube series is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Free 8-Part Series:

This series is designed specifically for first-time homebuyers navigating the Southern California market. You’ll learn:

How to assess whether buying is right for you
What homes you can afford based on your monthly comfort zone—not just what a lender approves
The truth behind online mortgage calculators and hidden costs
How to understand your full monthly payment: principal, interest, taxes, insurance (PITI), and more
Tips for choosing the right realtor and lender
How to avoid common mistakes that can cost you thousands

🔎 Featured Topic from Part 1: Should You Even Buy Right Now?

Before diving into how much home you can afford, it's important to first ask: “Is buying a home right now the right move for you?”
In Part 1 of the series, I help you explore your personal motivations, weigh rent vs. own costs, and address the biggest fear buyers have today — "What if the market crashes after I buy?"

🎯 This video is perfect if you're still on the fence or want to make a confident, well-informed decision before moving forward.

👉 Watch Part 1 Now: Click here to start the series from the beginning

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t Start with the Dream Home

Most buyers start by browsing listings before speaking with a lender. That can lead to disappointment and financial stress. In this series, I’ll show you how to start smart—with a strategy based on your monthly comfort zone, not just the price tag.