Your physician homebuying checklist.

Before the first conversation

• Choose a comfortable monthly housing budget and target California location.
• Identify your training stage, degree, start date and income type.
• Estimate your available down payment and the cash you want to keep in reserve.
• Note your target move date and whether you already have a purchase contract.

For the secure application

Expect identification, employment and income documentation, asset statements and debt information. The lender may request your medical license, degree and employment contract. Requirements vary. Do not send Social Security numbers, account numbers, tax returns or medical information through the consultation form.

Keep closing costs and reserves separate

Your down payment is only one part of the cash plan. Budget for closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, and assets that must remain after closing. Silver requires at least two months of the subject home’s principal, interest, taxes, insurance and applicable assessments, with additional reserves for future income and other financed properties. Other programs use different reserve schedules. Eligible gifts may help, subject to donor and documentation rules.

Before you make an offer

Review the scope and conditions of any preapproval with Sasha. Coordinate financing and appraisal timelines with your agent. Preapproval is not final loan approval; the property and your complete file still need to meet lender requirements.

While your loan is in process

Discuss employment changes, new debt, major purchases and large transfers with your loan team before acting. Review updated disclosures and the Closing Disclosure carefully. Independently verify wire instructions using a trusted phone number before sending funds.