A Complete Guide to the Home Buying Process in Westlake Village, CA

Christine Mason
Dec 24, 2025
2 min read

Purchasing a home in Westlake Village, California can be an exciting experience, but it requires careful planning and understanding of the process, timeline, and costs. From searching for your dream home to closing and moving in, knowing what to expect helps buyers make informed decisions.

1. Pre-Approval and Budgeting (1–2 Weeks)

Before house hunting, it’s crucial to:

Meet with a lender to get mortgage pre-approval, which strengthens your offer
Determine your budget, including down payment, monthly mortgage, and anticipated closing costs

Typical Costs:

Pre-approval: usually free, but may involve credit check fees (~$25–$50)
Down payment: generally 10–20% of home price

Learn more about pre-approval here: Bankrate – Mortgage Pre-Approval

2. Home Search & Tours (2–6 Weeks)

With pre-approval in hand, buyers can:

Work with a local real estate agent to find homes that fit their needs
Tour properties in Westlake Village, considering neighborhood, schools, and amenities

Tip: Using online listings such as Zillow and Realtor.com can help narrow options efficiently.

3. Making an Offer & Negotiations (1–2 Weeks)

Once a desirable property is found:

Your agent submits a formal offer
Negotiations may include price, contingencies, and closing timeline

Tip: Offers are often contingent on home inspection and appraisal.

4. Escrow, Inspection, and Closing (30–45 Days)

During escrow:

Home inspection identifies any necessary repairs
Appraisal confirms property value for lenders
Title work and escrow management ensure a smooth transfer

Typical Costs:

Closing costs: 2–5% of purchase price (includes lender fees, title insurance, recording fees)
Realtor commission: usually paid by the seller in Westlake Village, included in sale price
Home inspection: $300–$700
Appraisal: $500–$700

For a breakdown, see Closing Costs Explained – Nolo.

5. Moving Expenses

After closing, plan for moving costs:

Local move (short distance): $1,000–$3,000
Long-distance move: $4,000–$8,000+
Packing supplies and temporary storage may add $200–$500

Tips for moving: U.S. News – Moving Costs

Estimated Timeline Summary

Stage	Typical Duration
Pre-approval	1–2 weeks
Home search	2–6 weeks
Offer & negotiation	1–2 weeks
Escrow & closing	30–45 days
Moving	1–7 days depending on distance

Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Westlake Village involves multiple steps, from financing and searching to inspections, closing, and moving. Planning ahead and partnering with a knowledgeable local REALTOR® Christine Mason ensures a smoother process and helps you budget effectively for all associated costs. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a seamless transition into your new home in one of California’s most desirable communities.