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INDUSTRY LEADING TECHNOLOGY

Buyer-Focused Platform

Billions Invested in Real Estate Tech — All to Help You Buy Smarter

When you’re buying a home in Chicago, you deserve more than just a real estate agent — you deserve cutting-edge tools and expert guidance. That’s why we partnered with Compass, a forward-thinking brokerage that has invested over $1.5 billion in real estate technology over the past decade and continues to invest more than $100 million each year into innovation.

Why Compass?

Compass is redefining how homes are bought and sold. With a dedicated team of over 1,000 engineers and product experts — many with experience at Apple, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft — Compass builds all its technology in-house. The result is a seamless and intelligent platform that helps you find homes faster, receive real-time updates, and collaborate effortlessly with your agent.

Local Expertise Meets Leading Technology

At the Ben Lalez Team, we combine Compass technology with deep local market expertise and hands-on service. From the initial home search to closing day, we guide you through every step with personalized support. Whether it’s reviewing properties, submitting competitive offers, or navigating loan approvals, our process is designed to make buying real estate in Chicago smooth, strategic, and stress-free.

Your Home Search, Elevated

With the city’s most powerful tools and a dedicated team by your side, finding your next home becomes an experience defined by confidence, clarity, and success. Let the Ben Lalez Team help you buy your Chicago home with ease and precision.

Learn More About Buying with the Ben Lalez Team

Private Exclusives

Early Access to Off-Market Properties

A private exclusive listing is an off- market home that can be shared by a Compass agent directly with their colleagues and their buyers. As your agent I can provide visibility into these listings which are not available to other agents from difference broker companies.

In a highly competitive market like South Florida, having access to properties before they are available to the general public is a huge advantage only Compass agents can offer.

  • Early access to properties
  • Tour properties that will not be available to the general public
  • These benefits are only offered within the Compass network

Collections

The Pinterest of Real Estate

Collections is a search tool Compass developed to share a curated, visually-pleasing group of listings with clients. Collections is an app that allows us to collaborate efficiently where you can ask questions, comment on listings, and express your thoughts in a streamlined, direct way – all in one central place.

  • Organize homes
  • Centralize discussions
  • Collaborate with others
  • Receive immediate status and price updates

Compass CMA

Comparative Pricing Analysis

Powered by the company’s investment in artificial intelligence (AI), Compass CMA is a tool that lets us provide you with real-time market insights on comparable homes in the area. Now you can feel more confident that your next home is in the right price range and that you are making a competitive offer.

  • Identify competitive pricing
  • Strong offers are taken more seriously
  • Comparables offer value for negotiating

Why Our Clients Love Working With Us

“Working with the team was a great experience. They have the right mix of personal attention and resources where I felt extremely important yet knew I had the backing of a big organization behind me. I have bought and sold with the team a few times now and would recommend to anyone in Chicago.”

— Haru

“It was refreshing to not feel pressured at all and able to go at our pace. With that said, when we were ready to move on a property it was go time. Offers were made quickly and they were there with us until we closed. Thank you to the whole team for helping us find our home!”

— Ross

“Our home search felt natural as we found what we did and didn’t like. Our real estate agent has a full lineup of contacts for every step: mortgage lender, attorney, inspector, and contractor, all of which we were very impressed with their work. ”

— Charles

UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET

The New Normal

DATE THE RATE. MARRY THE PRICE

Did You Know?

While the present mortgage rates may be your starting point, remember that financial landscapes can change. Seize the opportunity to secure a favorable rate today, and you’ll be better positioned to navigate future refinancing options when the winds of the market shift in your favor.

18.39%

30-Year Fixed Interest
Rate in 1981

0%

Fed drops interest rate
in March 2020 due to COVID

<3%

30-Year Fixed interest
Rate in mid-2020 to
early 2022

+5%

Interest rates on most products today

THE TYPICAL

Buying Process

1. Buyer Consulation

There are many reasons you may be interested in buying a property or moving to a different home including additional space, living closer to work, income and vacation properties, tired of renting, better location, and better school district.

The sooner you are able to identify the main reasons to purchase, the better your chances of easily identifying the right property that suits your specific needs by focusing on that specific criteria.

2. Getting Pre-Qualified

If you are obtaining financing, getting a pre-approval letter from a lender before submitting an offer is important because it shows you are more likely to meet the proposed settlement date. A pre-approval letter and a good faith estimate from a lender will also give you insight into the projected down payment, closing costs, and expected monthly payment.

3. Finding the Right Property

Once you have established a budget and identified your home’s criteria, you can start using the Compass CMA tool. I will run market analyses on comparable properties in the area to give you a clear understanding of current market value. Together, we will identify your ideal home’s location and amenities, and attend open houses in a range of areas. I will listen to your continued feedback and activate a ‘collection,’ or specialized search for properties as they hit the market until we find a home you love.

4. Visiting Properties

Your experience will be a lot more enjoyable if you have realistic expectations. Your decision will be affected by your individual requirements including your budget, available homes (inventory), the size of the lot and home, the number of beds and beds, and the school district.

Understanding everything earlier in the process enables you to find the best condo or home for your needs, without missing out on your potential dream home.

5. Submit and Negotiate Offer

Once we find the right home, we will collaborate on a competitive offer. The offer is an agreement to pay a certain price for the home if accepted and may include other terms, such as whether you are waiving any contingencies or in how many days you are willing to close. It is my job to guide you through the decision-making process to ensure you are confident with our offer.

6. Sign Contract

Your contract is the agreement between you and the seller to purchase the property for a specific price. Also defined in the contract of sale is the settlement company, date of settlement, and earnest money deposit amount.

If required, an Escrow Deposit is the amount of money that the buyer will put in an escrow in good faith to demonstrate to the Seller that they are serious about purchasing the property. The money will only be deposited if the contract is signed and agreed by both parties.

7. Inspection Period

It is my responsibility to coordinate all desired home inspections within the agreed timeline and contractual contingencies. We will also review and discuss the disclosures and preliminary title report. You may approve or negotiate credits and/or repairs. Prior to closing, remember to schedule a final walk-through of the property to verify property is still in acceptable condition and any negotiated repairs were done.

If you are buying a condo, townhouse, or house that are part of a Home Owner’s Association (HOA) you will be required to apply and get approval before you schedule a closing.

8. Loan Application and Appraisal

If you are obtaining financing, your lender will let you know the list of financial documents necessary to provide to the lender, including a couple months of bank statements, tax records, pay stubs etc. Typically, you will have a mortgage contingency of the agreed upon length to obtain a mortgage commitment.

Once your lender has all of your documents, they will review them and issue a Clear-to- Close, which means your loan is complete and the file will be sent to the title company for closing. Your lender will have an appraisal done on the property.

9. Closing

The Closing is the final step in a real estate transaction. On the closing date, the seller signs the deed over to the buyer and officially transfers ownership and delivers keys to the home.

The buyer (or the buyer’s bank) delivers payment for the balance owed on the purchase plus closing costs which include; title search services, title insurance, prorated property taxes, mortgage insurance, homeowner’s insurance, HOA and condo fees if applicable.

BUY WITH US

Let Us Guide You Home

We go above and beyond to support my clients search for their perfect home, providing guidance and advice through every step of the process to make it seamless and hassle-free. Together, we will collaborate to find a home that meets your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle – so that you can confidently make your dream home yours when you find it.
Home Buying Made Easy

Neighborhoods of Expertise

AVONDALE

GOLD COAST

LAKE VIEW

Lincoln Park

Logan Square

Old Town

River North

West Loop

Wicker Park

View All

Click Here to Watch our Ultimate Chicago Homebuyer Guide Youtube Series

Your Advisor

Your Partner

Whether you’re ready to buy or looking for answers, we’ve got you covered.

We have you covered form this very moment until your final Closing.

ben.lalez@compass.com
312.789.4054

Have questions about the home-buying process?

Have questions about buying a home in Chicago? The Ben Lalez Team is here to guide you every step of the way. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Chicago’s neighborhoods, school districts, and housing market, we help you find the right home to fit your lifestyle and goals. Let’s make your home-buying journey smooth, informed, and successful – connect with us today.

LEARN MORE
What makes buying with the Ben Lalez Team different?

The Ben Lalez Team combines local Chicago real estate expertise with Compass’s industry-leading technology to help buyers find, evaluate, and purchase homes efficiently and strategically.

What areas does the Ben Lalez Team serve?

The team specializes in Chicago neighborhoods including Lincoln Park, Lake View, Bucktown, West Loop, Logan Square, Avondale, Roscoe Village, and more.

Do I need to be pre-approved before working with the Ben Lalez Team?

While it’s not mandatory, being pre-approved can help speed up your home search and strengthen your offers in Chicago’s competitive housing market.

Can the team help if I have a home to sell before buying?

Yes, the Ben Lalez Team assists both buyers and sellers, offering strategic advice and services for those transitioning between properties.

How does Compass technology benefit homebuyers?

Compass provides real-time property updates, smart search tools, and seamless communication, making it easier to find the right home and act quickly.

What if I have specific parking or pet needs?

The Ben Lalez Team considers all your lifestyle requirements—including parking preferences and pet-friendly options—to find a home that fits your needs.

How do I get started with the Ben Lalez Team?

Simply fill out the buyer intake form on the website or contact the team directly by phone or email to schedule a personalized consultation.