The 1·1·1 Program explains a simpler way to approach buying, selling, and financing in California. This page gives you a clear overview of how the program works, who it is for, and what the numbers can look like in a real transaction.
One number you actually understand — for every party in the transaction.
The BuyerFirst 1·1·1 Program is a straightforward answer to the question California buyers and sellers have been asking for years: what is this actually going to cost me? BuyerFirst lists at 2% — and when a qualifying BuyerFirst buyer purchases the home, that 2% covers everything: listing services and buyer representation in one. The seller owes nothing additional for buyer agent compensation. BuyerFirst buyers pay 1% for representation, covered within the listing commission. And when the loan goes through a BuyerFirst lending partner, buyers receive a lender credit at closing — applied toward closing costs or a lower rate, whichever serves them better. One team. One commission. One transaction.
Three numbers. One transaction.
A simple breakdown of how the BuyerFirst 1·1·1 Program works for sellers, buyers, and financing.
To qualify as a BuyerFirst Buyer, the process is simple: sign a Buyer Representation Agreement and complete pre-approval through a BuyerFirst lending partner. Once both steps are done, buyers can access the program structure described on this page, including representation pricing clarity and lender credit options at closing.
If you want to see how the numbers apply to your situation, start with pre-approval and review the next steps with the BuyerFirst team.
THE SELLER — BuyerFirst listing commission (2%): $18,000 / Covers both listing services and buyer representation / No additional buyer agent compensation owed / Traditional comparison (5–6%): $45,000–$54,000 / Seller saves: $27,000–$36,000
THE BUYER — Representation fee: $9,000 — covered within seller's 2% listing commission. Buyer pays $0 for representation. / Lender credit at closing: Applied from BuyerFirst lending income / Buyer chooses: Reduce closing costs or lower the rate
THE LOAN — BUYER'S CHOICE — Option A: Credit applied to closing costs — less cash out of pocket on closing day. Option B: Credit applied to rate reduction — a lower monthly payment for the life of the loan.
THE SELLER — BuyerFirst listing commission (2%): $28,000 / Covers both listing services and buyer representation / No additional buyer agent compensation owed / Traditional comparison (5–6%): $70,000–$84,000 / Seller saves: $42,000–$56,000
THE BUYER — Representation fee: $14,000 — covered within seller's 2% listing commission. Buyer pays $0 for representation. / Lender credit at closing: Applied from BuyerFirst lending income / Buyer chooses: Reduce closing costs or lower the rate
THE LOAN — BUYER'S CHOICE — Option A: Credit applied to closing costs — meaningful cash back in your pocket at closing. Option B: Credit applied to rate reduction — lower monthly payment, lower total cost of ownership.
Here is what the 1·1·1 Program looks like on two California transactions.
These examples show a qualifying BuyerFirst buyer purchasing a BuyerFirst-listed property — the full 1·1·1 Program scenario.
Examples show a qualifying BuyerFirst buyer purchasing a BuyerFirst-listed property. BuyerFirst listing commission is 2% on all transactions. When a qualifying BuyerFirst buyer purchases the property, the 2% covers both listing services and buyer representation — no additional buyer agent compensation is owed by the seller. When an outside buyer purchases the property, buyer agent compensation is negotiated separately. BuyerFirst buyer qualification requires a signed Buyer Representation Agreement and pre-approval through a BuyerFirst lending partner. Lender credit subject to loan amount and loan type. Commission rates negotiable and not set by law. Ask your BuyerFirst agent for numbers specific to your transaction.
1% — Listing Commission
Sellers who list with BuyerFirst pay a 2% listing commission — always. When a qualifying BuyerFirst buyer purchases the home, that 2% covers both listing services and buyer representation. No additional buyer agent compensation is owed. When an outside buyer purchases the home, buyer agent compensation is negotiated separately at the time of offer.
1% — Buyer Representation
BuyerFirst buyers pay 1% for representation on BuyerFirst listings — covered by the seller. On non-BuyerFirst listings, representation is 1.5%. Either way, well below the industry standard.
Lender Credit — Applied at Closing
When financed through a BuyerFirst lending partner, buyers receive a lender credit applied at closing. Choose to reduce your closing costs or lower your interest rate — your BuyerFirst agent models both options before you decide.
The lender credit can be applied two ways. Your BuyerFirst agent will run the numbers on both before you decide. OPTION A — REDUCE YOUR CLOSING COSTS: Less cash out of pocket on closing day. The credit is applied directly to your closing costs — straightforward, immediate, and visible on your closing statement.
OPTION B — LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATE: A reduced rate for the life of the loan. Your monthly payment goes down. Your total cost of ownership goes down. The benefit compounds every month you own the home. Your BuyerFirst agent will show you exactly what each option means for your specific loan amount and situation — before you make any decisions.
You already know that 5% on a California home is a significant number. You have wondered whether a lower commission means less service. It does not — it means one team handling both sides of your transaction with a direct financial incentive to close it cleanly and quickly.
You want to know what this costs before you start — not after you are already in contract. The 1·1·1 Program gives you that clarity upfront. One team, one conversation, every number explained before you commit to anything.
Closing costs in California are real. The lender credit applied at closing puts meaningful money back in your pocket on closing day — without changing your loan amount or your purchase price.
The 1·1·1 Program is built for three kinds of clients.
See which BuyerFirst client profile matches your goals and why the 1·1·1 structure is designed to create clarity before you commit.
The 1·1·1 Program works because many BuyerFirst agents hold both a California real estate license and an NMLS mortgage loan originator endorsement. The same person who negotiates your purchase agreement can also structure your financing — and apply the lender credit at closing from their own origination income.
Most buyers have never had a single professional who understood both sides of their transaction completely. At BuyerFirst, that is the standard. The brokerage is led by De Wilmore — Designated Broker, California DRE Approved Instructor, and licensed mortgage originator with 29 years in California real estate. The 1·1·1 Program is built around the standard he holds for every agent inside BuyerFirst.
Ready to see what your transaction looks like under 1·1·1?
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