About DoorLine

What DoorLine does

DoorLine is a free matching service. We help home buyers and sellers learn the basics, compare options, and connect with a licensed local real-estate agent if they want one.

We are not a real-estate brokerage, agent, lender, attorney, or tax advisor. We do not list homes, buy homes, sell homes, appraise homes, or finance homes. Our content is general and educational. Your exact costs, timeline, and contract terms depend on the home, the price, the location, the loan, and the agreement you make with the professionals you hire.

If you are just starting, DoorLine can help you:
- understand the usual steps in buying or selling
- learn common cost ranges, like down payments and closing costs
- compare a few licensed agents instead of talking to the first person who calls you
- ask better questions before you sign anything

If you want help now, you can get matched with a local agent. If you are still learning, start with buying a home or selling a home.

Who this is for

DoorLine is for people who want straight answers and more control over the process.

We especially try to make home buying and selling easier for:
- first-time buyers who do not know what happens first
- home sellers who want to understand timing, pricing, and agent agreements
- new immigrants learning how US real estate works
- ITIN buyers looking for general education before they speak with a licensed lender and agent
- non-native English speakers who want clearer explanations and multilingual support
- busy families and workers who do not have time to chase five different websites

You do not need to be ready today. Some people come to DoorLine months before they move. That is normal.

What matters is this: you compare agents, you choose who to work with, and you read and confirm every agreement and fee in writing before signing.

If this is your first purchase, our first-time buyer guide can help you understand the order of steps. Buyer costs are often in the range of about 2% to 5% of the home price for closing costs, and down payments are often about 3% to 20%, but real numbers vary. Sellers often pay about 1% to 3% in seller closing costs, and agent compensation is commonly negotiable. These are typical ranges, not promises or quotes.

How DoorLine is paid

DoorLine is free to consumers.

Participating agents pay DoorLine a flat marketing fee to be part of our network and receive marketing exposure. That fee is not a commission split, not a percentage of your sale, and not a per-closing referral fee.

Why that matters:
1. You should know who is paying whom.
2. You should know DoorLine does not take a cut of your home sale.
3. You should still review the agent's own agreement carefully, because agent fees, services, and terms can differ.

Before you sign with any agent, ask for answers in writing:
- What services are included?
- How long is the agreement?
- Can I cancel, and if so, how?
- What fees or compensation could I owe, if any?
- Are there any extra marketing or transaction charges?

We strongly recommend working with a licensed real-estate agent, and where needed, a licensed lender or attorney. Verify every license yourself through the proper state licensing authority. Read every document before signing. Confirm every fee in writing.

If money is moving at closing, be careful about wire fraud. Always confirm wiring instructions by calling a verified phone number you trust, not a number in a new email.

How matching works

We try to keep the process simple.

1. You tell us your goal. Buying, selling, or both. You can also share timing, area, language preference, and what kind of help you want.
2. We look for licensed local agents. We focus on fit based on your stated needs, not on protected characteristics.
3. You compare and decide. Ask questions. Check licenses. Read the agreement. Choose an agent only if you feel comfortable.

We only need basic contact and goal details to start. We do not need your Social Security number, bank account number, or other sensitive financial records to match you.

A good agent should be able to explain:
- the local process and likely timeline
- typical pricing and negotiation strategy for that market
- what inspections, disclosures, and contingencies may matter
- what costs are common in your area

If financing will be part of your purchase, learn the basics first, then speak with a licensed lender about your specific options. Our financing basics page can help you prepare questions.

Fair housing and equal access

DoorLine welcomes all buyers and sellers. We follow the Fair Housing Act.

That means we do not steer people toward or away from neighborhoods, homes, or agents based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. When we talk about neighborhoods, we focus on lawful, objective factors like commute, home prices, housing type, public information about schools, and nearby amenities. We do not make assumptions about who belongs anywhere.

If you are comparing areas, ask for facts like:
- price range for similar homes
- commuting options and travel time
- property taxes and HOA information when relevant
- public school data and other public services
- flood zones, noise, parking, or development plans

You have the right to fair treatment throughout the process. Learn more in your fair housing rights.