Buyers
Buying a home in Los Angeles moves fast, but it doesn't have to feel overwhelming. From your first conversation to the day you get your keys, we'll guide you through every step so you can buy with confidence.
Download Our Buyer's GuideHow Buying Works With Us
Five steps to your keysHere's what to expect, from knowing your budget to the final walk-through.
Step 1: Meet With Us
We'll sit down to talk about what you're looking for: neighborhoods, space, budget and timeline. Before we start touring, California requires a short written buyer agreement. We'll walk you through it, including how our compensation works.
Step 2: Get Financially Ready
Get pre-approved with a lender so you know your budget and can move quickly when you find the right home. We're happy to recommend lenders we trust.
Step 3: Find Your Home
We'll set you up with a Compass Collection so you see new listings the moment they hit the market, plus off-market and coming-soon homes you won't find on Zillow. We'll schedule tours and help you compare your options.
Step 4: Make Your Offer
When you find the one, we'll research the seller's situation and build an offer strategy with you. That covers price, deposit, and the contingencies that protect you while you inspect the home and finalize your loan. Then we negotiate on your behalf. This is also the point to line up a homeowners insurance quote, since coverage can be harder to find in some parts of Los Angeles.
Step 5: Close on Your Home
Once your offer is accepted, escrow opens and you'll wire your deposit, usually within three business days. You'll have about 12–17 days for inspections, the appraisal and your loan. We coordinate every step. After a final walk-through, you sign, the loan funds, and you get your keys.
“Paying the most is a last resort, not a strategy. The buyers who win are the ones seeing the right homes first, before they are public.”Finn Egan, Founder of Early Bird Real Estate
We have the largest collection of off-market listings in Los Angeles.
See It First™ with Early Bird.
A Typical 30-Day Escrow
Every contract sets its own dates, but here's how the month usually goes.
- Day 1Offer accepted, escrow opens
- Day 3Deposit wired to escrow
- Days 1–12Inspections, disclosures and appraisal
- Day 17Loan approved, contingencies removed
- Days 25–28Final walk-through and signing
- Day 30Loan funds, keys are yours
Closing Costs
Beyond your down payment, buyers' closing costs usually run about 1%–3% of the purchase price.
Buyers Typically Pay For
- Home inspections and the appraisal
- Loan fees and any points
- Lender's title insurance policy
- Their share of escrow fees
- First year of homeowners insurance
- Prorated property taxes and HOA dues
- Buyer's agent compensation, if not covered by the seller
Sellers Typically Pay For
- Owner's title insurance policy
- Their share of escrow fees
- County and city transfer taxes
- Payoff of their loans and any liens
- City-required retrofits and reports
- Listing agent compensation, plus the buyer's agent if agreed
These are Los Angeles customs, not rules. Almost everything is negotiable.
A quick safety note: wiring instructions never change by email. Always call your escrow officer at a verified number before sending money.
Common Questions
How much do I need for a down payment in Los Angeles?
There is no single answer. Conventional loans can start around 3% to 5% down, FHA around 3.5%, and VA loans can go to zero for buyers who qualify. More money down lowers your monthly payment and can strengthen your offer, but plenty of buyers in Los Angeles purchase with less than 20%. A lender can give you your real number in one conversation.
Do I have to sign a buyer agreement before touring homes?
Yes. California requires a written agreement between a buyer and their agent before touring. It sets out what we will do for you and how we are paid. The term, the services and the compensation are all negotiable, and we go through the whole document with you before you sign anything.
Who pays my agent?
In many transactions the seller offers to cover the buyer’s agent compensation, but that is no longer automatic. It is negotiated deal by deal and it is part of what we discuss when we write your offer. If the seller does not cover it, it becomes a cost you plan for, which is why we raise it at the start rather than at closing.
What are off-market and coming-soon homes?
They are properties that have not reached the public search sites yet, either Compass Private Exclusives or listings still in their pre-marketing window. Seeing them early means less competition and more time to decide. It is the reason the company is called Early Bird.
How long does it take to buy a home in Los Angeles?
The search is the unpredictable part, anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once your offer is accepted, escrow is usually about 30 days, and it can be shorter if you are paying cash or your loan is fully underwritten.
Ready to Start?
Early Access. Exclusive Listings. Early Bird.Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll show you what's possible in today's market, including homes you won't find online.
Get the Guide
Our complete guide to buying a home in Los Angeles, free.
