How DoorLine works

What DoorLine is — and what it is not

DoorLine helps people understand how buying or selling a home works, then connects them with licensed local real-estate agents who serve their area. We are built for real life: first-time buyers, busy families, sellers who have not moved in years, new immigrants, ITIN buyers, and people who prefer help in a language other than English.

What we do:
- Share general educational information about buying, selling, timing, paperwork, and common costs
- Help you compare local agents based on your goals
- Make it easier to ask questions before you commit to anyone

What we do not do:
- We are not a real-estate brokerage, agent, lender, attorney, or tax advisor
- We do not list, buy, sell, appraise, or finance homes
- We do not give legal, mortgage, financial, or tax advice

If you move forward, you should work with a licensed real-estate agent and, when needed, a licensed lender or attorney. Please verify any license yourself and read and confirm every agreement and fee in writing before signing.

DoorLine welcomes all buyers and sellers and follows the Fair Housing Act. We do not steer people based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected class. If you want a basic overview first, start with buying a home or selling a home.

How the matching process works

1. You tell us the basics
Share simple contact details and your goal. For example: buying or selling, your city or ZIP code, your timeline, your price range, and what kind of help you want. We only need enough information to make a useful match. We do not need Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or sensitive records.

2. We learn what matters to you
Maybe you want an agent who explains each step slowly. Maybe you need evening calls, help in another language, or someone with experience guiding first-time buyers. If you are selling, maybe you want help understanding pricing strategy, prep work, and what seller costs can look like.

3. We match you with licensed local agents
We look for agents who serve your area and fit your situation. Our service is about choice, not pressure. You can compare communication style, local experience, availability, and how clearly each person explains their process.

4. You decide what happens next
You can speak with an agent, ask questions, compare options, or walk away. You are in control. DoorLine does not choose for you. You compare agents. You choose who to work with.

5. You review everything in writing
Before signing anything, read the agreement carefully. Confirm services, timing, cancellation terms, and any fees in writing. If money will move at closing, use extra caution: confirm wiring instructions by phone using a trusted number to help avoid wire fraud.

If you want to get started, use get matched.

What it costs you

DoorLine is free to the consumer. There is no charge to ask questions, learn the basics, or get matched with participating agents.

Participating agents pay DoorLine a flat marketing fee to be part of the service. That means DoorLine is paid for marketing, not by taking a cut of your sale.

Your actual home-buying or home-selling costs depend on the home, the price, the location, the loan, and the agreement you make with the agent and other service providers.

Typical ranges people should know:
- Buyer closing costs: often about 2% to 5% of the purchase price
- Down payment: often about 3% to 20%, depending on the loan and buyer profile
- Seller closing costs: often about 1% to 3% of the sale price, not including any agent compensation you may agree to
- Agent compensation: commonly around 2.5% to 3% per side, often paid by the seller, and increasingly negotiable

These are estimates, not quotes or guarantees. Ask a licensed agent and, if needed, a licensed lender or attorney to explain the numbers for your situation. You can also review closing costs for a clearer breakdown.

You stay in control the whole time

A lot of people worry that asking for help means they will get pushed into a deal. That is not how DoorLine should work.

Here is what control looks like:
- You choose whether to speak with an agent
- You choose which agent, if any, feels right
- You choose when to move forward
- You read and confirm every agreement and fee in writing before signing
- You can ask direct questions about communication, local experience, availability, and process

Good agents should be able to explain things clearly. If you feel rushed, confused, or pressured to sign right away, slow down. Ask for the document in writing. Review it carefully. If needed, compare another agent before deciding.

If you are not sure what to ask, this guide can help: how to choose a real-estate agent.

Helpful for first-time buyers, immigrants, and non-native English speakers

Real-estate language can be confusing even for people born in the US. DoorLine is meant to make the process easier to follow.

We try to help with:
- Plain-language explanations instead of industry jargon
- Support for people who prefer a language other than English
- Extra context for first-time buyers who want to understand the steps before they talk to an agent
- General education for buyers using an ITIN or exploring what lenders may ask for

DoorLine does not approve loans or give lending advice, and qualification rules vary by lender and loan type. But we can help you understand the basic process and connect with professionals who can explain their services clearly.

For a simple starting point, see first-time buyers or financing basics.