Buying a home in the San Fernando Valley: first steps

1. Start with budget questions, not listings

Talk with a lender about how much you may be able to borrow and what documents they need, and keep your own monthly budget in mind—including property taxes, insurance, HOA dues if any, and maintenance. A prequalification or preapproval letter is the lender's statement, not a promise of a loan.

2. Confirm the city for every address

Neighborhoods such as North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Reseda, Northridge, Granada Hills, Chatsworth, and Woodland Hills are part of the City of Los Angeles. Nearby cities such as Burbank, Glendale, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and San Fernando are separate cities with their own planning and building departments. The right records depend on the exact parcel.

• For City of Los Angeles parcels, look up zoning and planning information in ZIMAS.
• Find the community plan that covers the area through Los Angeles City Planning.
• Use the Los Angeles County Assessor portal to confirm parcel information.
• Ask the correct building department for the permit history of additions, garages, and ADUs.

3. Check official hazard maps early

Parts of the Valley and its surrounding hills can fall in mapped fire hazard severity zones, FEMA flood zones, or state earthquake hazard zones. Official maps are a starting point, not an inspection or an insurance decision. Look them up early, because they can affect disclosures, insurance questions, and your timeline.

• California State Fire Marshal: fire hazard severity zone maps.
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: flood maps for the address.
• California Geological Survey: earthquake zones of required investigation.

4. Test the commute you will actually make

Valley travel varies a lot by direction and time of day. Try the two trips you make most often at the hours you make them, by car and by transit if that matters to you. Metro's trip planner can show transit options.

5. Line up the right people

Choose a licensed real estate agent who knows the specific areas and property types you are considering, plus a lender, a home inspector, and an insurance professional to discuss coverage before you are in contract. LAREALTi can work to introduce one licensed local real estate professional if you would like help; you can verify the license with the California DRE before you proceed.