First-Time Buyer Playbook
Buying your first home in Southern California? Get the step-by-step playbook: what happens when, the costs to expect, where down payment help can come from and how to see homes early.
- Seven clear steps from budget to keys
- The costs first-time buyers don’t expect
- Down payment assistance, including CalHFA
- Early access with Compass See It First™
Get the free playbook
Joe will personally send the playbook and follow up within one business day.
Your first home, step by step
- The steps, in orderMonthly budget, pre-approval, your buyer agreement, search, offer, escrow and closing.
- Costs to expectDown payment, initial deposit, inspections, appraisal, closing costs, HOA fees and reserves. Ask Joe for current numbers in your area.
- Down payment assistanceThe California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers down payment assistance programs for eligible first-time buyers through approved lenders, and some cities and counties have their own programs. Eligibility rules apply and programs change.
- Mistakes to avoidFrom new credit during escrow to wire fraud, the short list that protects your purchase.
See it first.
With Compass’s See It First™, you can get early access to homes before they hit the open market, including Compass Coming Soon listings and off-market Compass Private Exclusives. That can mean less competition, more time to decide, and a head start in a fast SoCal market.
See It First™, Coming Soon and Private Exclusive listings are subject to availability, eligibility and terms, and to seller choice and applicable MLS rules. Early access does not guarantee the opportunity to purchase any property.
- 01Coming SoonPreview homes before they launch publicly.
- 02Private ExclusivesOff-market homes shared within the Compass network.
- 03A head startPotentially less competition and more time to decide.
Joe Chilcote is a REALTOR® with Compass in Carlsbad, helping buyers, sellers and investors across San Diego, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties, including clients moving from other states and countries.
Career sales volume: the total sale price of 86 closed transactions from Jun 2018 to Jul 2026 ($62,612,279) in which Joe Chilcote individually represented the seller as listing agent and/or the buyer as buyer’s agent; each transaction is counted once at its full sale price, including 3 where Joe represented both sides. Includes transactions closed while Joe was affiliated with prior brokerages, before joining Compass. Source: MLS records (San Diego MLS and California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc.). Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
What clients say
Working with Joseph was a great experience! As a first time buyer I had a lot of questions and Joseph was more than happy to answer them and walk me through the home buying process. He was professional, approachable and patient in helping me find the right home for my family.
Joseph, was beyond the most amazing Real Estate Agent, we could have ever worked with. A person of integrity. He has so much knowledge and is extremely transparent. I am beyond grateful he ended up in our path and assisted us with our first home purchase. He looked out for our needs and guided us to get educated in the process, so we would not be blind sided by anything. Our home search was easy and it truly felt like family was guiding us through this process. Our escrow was so smooth, he has an amazing team, and we closed in 21 days. If you are intimidated to purchase a home or feel insecure, now I know the process should not be that way. It takes patients and good team behind you. There is not many people who truly look out for you and Joseph did just for us. We are forever thankful for his assistance and walking us through this home purchase.
Verbatim reviews from Joe’s Zillow profile; individual results may vary. Testimonials are not intended to guarantee the same or similar results.
First-time buyer questions
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the loan program. Several programs allow a low down payment for qualified buyers. A lender can show you the options and a Loan Estimate for each.
What is CalHFA?
The California Housing Finance Agency. It offers programs for first-time buyers, including down payment assistance, through approved private lenders. Income limits, purchase price limits and homebuyer education requirements may apply. See calhfa.ca.gov.
What does it cost to work with Joe as a buyer?
You will sign a written buyer representation agreement before touring. It explains Joe’s services and how he is paid. Compensation is negotiable, and Joe will walk you through the options.
What costs should I expect besides the down payment?
An initial deposit, inspections, the appraisal, closing costs such as lender, title and escrow fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and HOA fees if applicable.
How does See It First help?
It can give you early access to Compass Coming Soon listings and off-market Private Exclusives, subject to availability, eligibility and terms. Early access does not guarantee the opportunity to purchase.
Get the First-Time Buyer Playbook
Clear steps, honest costs and the help that’s available.
Prefer to talk? Call or text 602.448.3553 or email joe@thechillagent.com.