Private Exclusives
Learn about homes being introduced to a limited audience before a public launch.
Your path to homeownership
Next Steps
for Buyers.
Buying a home has many moving parts. We make each one clear, help you prepare for the decisions ahead, and stay beside you from the first conversation through closing.
See the processThe Compass advantage
See more of the market.
Compass technology gives you a more connected home-search experience. In one collaborative dashboard, you can review listings, discuss favorites with us, and keep the next steps of your search in one place.
We also help you look beyond the inventory everyone else sees, so you can recognize opportunities earlier and move with confidence.
Compass Coming Soon
Get early access to listings available on compass.com before they appear on other websites.
Make Me Sell
Explore potential properties whose owners may be open to the right offer, even when the home is not actively listed.
The home-buying process
Nine steps. One clear path.
Buyer consultation
We begin with your priorities, timing, ideal home, and preferred neighborhoods so your search has a clear direction.
Representation agreement
We establish how we will work together, including services, term, exclusivity, compensation, and property criteria.
Get pre-approved
If you are financing, a lender’s pre-approval clarifies your buying power, projected cash needs, and monthly payment.
Get early access
We use the Compass Advantage to help you see exclusive and early-market opportunities before they reach other websites.
Submit and negotiate
When you find the right home, we shape a competitive offer and explain the price, timing, contingencies, and tradeoffs.
Sign the contract
Once both parties agree, the contract sets the purchase price, settlement date, title company, and earnest-money deposit.
Inspect and investigate
We coordinate desired inspections, review disclosures and title information, and help negotiate repairs or credits when appropriate.
Loan and appraisal
Your lender completes underwriting and the appraisal, then issues the clear-to-close before sending the file to settlement.
Closing day
After a final walk-through and signing, the home is yours. Congratulations—and welcome home.
Prepare financially
Plan beyond the purchase price.
Your exact numbers depend on the property, loan, and location. These planning ranges provide a useful starting point.
Earnest money deposit
A good-faith deposit based on the sale price, held in a non-interest-bearing escrow account.
3–20% conventional
Down payment
The required amount depends on the loan program for which you qualify.
Inspections
Costs vary with home size and the inspections selected, such as home, radon, or termite.
Appraisal
Lenders generally require an appraisal, typically paid for before it is completed.
Closing costs
Funds needed at settlement unless the contract provides otherwise.
Insurance and commission
Budget for applicable homeowner, mortgage, title, flood, or other insurance. If the seller does not cover your broker’s compensation, you may be responsible for it.
These figures are general planning estimates, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Actual amounts vary by lender, loan program, property, location, home size, taxes, and market conditions. Consult your lender, real estate agent, and title company for personalized estimates.
Buyer representation
Know who is working for you.
A buyer representation agreement allows Compass and us, as your agents, to legally and exclusively represent your interests. We review it together before asking you to sign.
- 01
Scope of services
Property search, showings, negotiation, and guidance throughout the purchase.
- 02
Property and location
The type of property and geographic area covered by the agreement.
- 03
Duration
The period during which you commit to working exclusively with us—typically six months.
- 04
Compensation
How Compass will be compensated. We discuss possible payment scenarios and put the agreed terms in writing. Commissions are negotiable.
Experienced representation
What happens behind the scenes.
A successful purchase depends on much more than opening doors. Here are the services we coordinate throughout your search and transaction.
- Meet for a buyer consultation.
- Agree on a communication plan.
- Help you connect with lenders for pre-approval.
- Collect market data and neighborhood comparables.
- Use a buyer questionnaire to clarify your goals.
- Research appropriate off-market opportunities.
- Create a Compass Collection for matching listings.
- Select properties based on your criteria.
- Track regional and neighborhood market trends.
- Coordinate showing appointments.
- Research relevant property details and attributes.
- Attend broker tours to monitor inventory.
- Stay connected to buyers, sellers, and agents.
- Ask listing agents about traffic and buyer demand.
- Offer objective advice on each property’s tradeoffs.
- Prepare a comparative market analysis.
- Assess property condition with qualified experts.
- Recommend offer strategies for current conditions.
- Help obtain HOA or condominium documents.
- Review transaction documents before an offer.
- Review disclosure packages with you.
- Coordinate additional property access as needed.
Ready when you are
Let’s talk about your next move.
Start with a useful conversation about your goals, timeline, and the market.