Planning a move to Temecula on a 90-day clock can feel like juggling paperwork, timelines, and unknowns all at once. You want a smooth transition, clear costs, and confidence that nothing will slip through the cracks. This guide gives you a week-by-week checklist tailored to Temecula and California purchase timelines so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and who to involve. Let’s dive in.
How to use this checklist
Use this as your master plan from pre-approval through move-in. The dates assume a typical California escrow of 30 to 45 days, with inspections completed early. Adjust timing to match your accepted offer and contingency deadlines.
- “Day 0” refers to the day your offer is accepted and escrow opens.
- If you need a faster close, front-load pre-approval, inspections, and insurance shopping.
- Out-of-area buyers should plan for remote signings and temporary housing if dates shift.
90-day Temecula relocation checklist
Weeks −12 to −9: Pre-offer planning
- Secure full lender pre-approval. Provide pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Confirm your lender is licensed in California and supports e-signatures and remote signings where possible.
- Choose a local real estate agent skilled in out-of-area relocations. Ask for virtual tours, neighborhood overviews, and referrals for inspectors, movers, escrow, and title.
- Start virtual tours and shortlist homes. Request photos, floor plans, disclosures, and if applicable, HOA documents and seller questionnaires early.
- Research logistics. Review Temecula Valley Unified School District enrollment requirements and boundaries, utility providers for target neighborhoods, and potential costs for property taxes, HOA dues, and any special taxes such as Mello-Roos.
Weeks −8 to −5: Offer strategy and contract prep
- Craft your offer with realistic contingencies. In California, inspection windows of 7 to 17 days are common. Include appraisal and loan contingencies.
- Discuss a rate-lock plan with your loan officer. Review lock windows, float options, and how they align with a 30 to 45 day close.
- Prepare for remote documents. Confirm with escrow and your lender which items can be e-signed and what may require notarized or wet signatures.
Weeks −4 to 0: Escrow opens and inspections
- Day 0 to 3
- Open escrow and deposit your earnest money.
- Your lender orders the appraisal.
- Title opens and you receive a preliminary title report that outlines liens, easements, CC&Rs, and any special assessments.
- Day 3 to 10 (typical inspection window)
- Schedule a general home inspection immediately once escrow opens.
- Order specialized inspections as needed: termite or wood-destroying pest, roof, HVAC, sewer scope, pool or spa, geological or foundation, and septic where applicable.
- Request HOA resale documents if the home is in an HOA. Review CC&Rs, bylaws, financials and reserves, insurance summary, rules and regulations, meeting minutes, and any pending litigation or special assessments.
- Review property tax status and check for Mello-Roos or other special assessments. Confirm how they are billed.
- Day 7 to 14
- Review inspection reports. Negotiate repairs or credits within your contingency period.
- Appraisal is completed and delivered. If value questions arise, prepare comparable sales with your agent.
- Day 10 to 20
- Respond quickly to lender conditions to keep underwriting on track.
- Decide on repair requests or credits. If results are unfavorable, evaluate your options based on your contingencies.
Weeks 1 to 4 after opening escrow: Clear to close
- Final walkthrough, typically 24 to 72 hours before closing. Confirm agreed repairs are completed or credits applied and the home is in the expected condition.
- Closing day logistics
- Confirm your signing appointment. Remote or mobile notary options vary by lender and escrow, so coordinate early.
- Verify wire instructions from escrow and arrange final funds. Avoid sending funds to any instructions that were not directly confirmed with escrow.
- Ensure homeowners insurance is bound prior to funding. Many lenders require proof before closing.
- After recording
- Confirm the recording and your possession date with your agent and escrow.
- Save your settlement statement and proof of recording for tax and enrollment purposes.
Temecula specifics to check early
Wildfire, flood, and hillside considerations
- Parts of Temecula are near wildland areas. Insurance availability and cost can be affected by wildfire exposure. Explore brush mitigation options and confirm coverage early.
- For hillside or creek-adjacent properties, consider geotechnical or slope-related inspections if recommended by your inspector.
Mello-Roos and special assessments
- Mello-Roos are special taxes that help fund infrastructure in many California communities. They are separate from the county property tax.
- These assessments appear on the preliminary title report and on tax bills. Confirm the annual amount and how it is paid. Newer or builder communities may include different Community Facilities District obligations.
Property tax reassessment and supplemental bills
- A change of ownership typically triggers reassessment under California’s property tax system. Budget for potential first-year changes and supplemental assessments, along with proration at closing.
HOA document review
- Expect to see CC&Rs, rules, reserve studies, financials, insurance summaries, meeting minutes, assessment history, and any pending litigation disclosures.
- Check for transfer fees, rental limitations, pet policies, and any special assessments that may be due at transfer.
Inspections that are common locally
- Standard inspections often include general home and termite or wood-destroying pest. Roof and HVAC evaluations are common where warranted.
- In the Temecula area, consider a sewer scope for older systems, pool or spa inspections, and geotechnical reviews for sloped lots.
- For condos or townhomes, clarify what the HOA covers versus what is the individual owner’s responsibility.
Utilities, insurance, and move logistics
Utilities and services setup
- Electricity, gas, water, and sewer providers vary by address in Riverside County. Confirm the exact providers for your property with the city, escrow, or the seller, and note any in-person setup requirements for certain water districts.
- Trash and recycling service can be included in HOA dues in some communities. Verify the provider and billing schedule.
- Internet and TV availability differs by neighborhood. If you plan to work from home, verify serviceability and speeds early in your search.
Insurance preparation
- Homeowners insurance is required by most lenders. If your target area has higher wildfire exposure, allow extra time to place a policy and compare pricing and deductibles.
- Earthquake insurance is optional in California. Review coverage options and costs to make an informed decision.
Movers, shipping, and temporary housing
- Reserve reputable movers 6 to 8 weeks ahead, longer during spring and peak summer.
- If shipping a vehicle, book transport 3 to 6 weeks in advance and confirm pickup windows.
- If closing dates are uncertain, plan for short-term rentals, extended-stay hotels, or a seller lease-back when available.
Schools and enrollment
- Temecula Valley Unified School District serves much of the area. Confirm boundaries and gather required residency documents such as utility bills, lease, or escrow documents for enrollment.
DMV and address changes
- After you establish residency, complete driver’s license, vehicle registration, and change-of-address tasks within the applicable state timelines. Check current DMV requirements before you move.
How an integrated team speeds your move
A coordinated brokerage, mortgage, and escrow team helps keep all parties aligned on deadlines and documentation. This can save time and reduce stress, especially when you are relocating from out of the area.
- Single-file coordination. Your lender and escrow work from the same verified document set so you are not asked for the same items repeatedly.
- Faster problem solving. Title exceptions, HOA questions, or appraisal issues are resolved more quickly when your agent, escrow officer, and loan officer collaborate directly.
- Early prep for signings. Integrated teams can prep escrow and loan documents early so signings are scheduled promptly when timelines tighten.
- Rate lock alignment. Your mortgage officer coordinates with your agent and escrow on contingency removal and closing targets to align lock periods and reduce rush fees.
After you close: First 7 to 14 days
- Set up and confirm utilities in your name and verify first billing dates.
- Change locks, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and locate main water and gas shutoffs.
- Review your settlement statement, property tax calendar, and any HOA portals or payment systems.
- Register for local services, enroll students if applicable, and save proof of residency documents.
Ready to move with confidence?
If you want a single, coordinated team to guide you from pre-approval through closing and move-in, connect with Kreg McCoy. With an integrated approach that includes brokerage, mortgage, and escrow support, you can simplify your Temecula relocation and focus on your next chapter.
FAQs
How long does escrow usually take in Temecula, California?
- Most purchase escrows in California close in about 30 to 45 days from acceptance, though shorter or longer timelines are possible depending on financing and negotiation.
Can I complete a Temecula home purchase remotely?
- Many steps can be handled remotely such as virtual tours, e-signatures, and loan processing. Final signing options vary, so confirm with your lender and escrow whether remote online notarization, mobile notary, or in-person signing will be used.
What inspections are essential for Temecula homes?
- A general home inspection and termite or wood-destroying pest inspection are standard. Depending on the property, consider roof, HVAC, sewer scope, pool or spa, and geotechnical inspections for sloped lots.
What is Mello-Roos and how do I check it?
- Mello-Roos is a special tax that funds community infrastructure. It should appear in the preliminary title report and on the property tax bill. Confirm annual amounts and how payments are billed.
When should I lock my mortgage rate for a Temecula purchase?
- Rate-lock timing depends on your lender and market conditions. Discuss lock periods, float-down options, and alignment with your target closing date and contingency timelines with your loan officer.
Who typically pays which closing costs in California?
- Buyers often pay lender fees and some escrow costs, and sellers commonly pay the owner’s title policy and some escrow fees. Confirm the local custom with your agent and escrow officer.
How far in advance should I book movers for a Temecula move?
- Reserve movers 6 to 8 weeks ahead, especially during spring and summer. If shipping a car, schedule 3 to 6 weeks before your target move date.
