Realmart Realty offers a unique Buyer Rebate Program for savvy real estate buyers. To qualify for a cash-back rebate, you must sign a buyer rebate agreement before viewing any properties. Simply provide us with your desired home type and location preferences, and we’ll set up customized MLS alerts to notify you of matching listings. You can explore all MLS-listed properties on public platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and various MLS websites. Using online search tools helps you efficiently find properties tailored to your needs. Once you select a property, we’ll draft and present your offer, manage negotiations, coordinate attorney reviews, schedule inspections, assist with mortgage applications, appraisals, title searches, and handle all paperwork through to closing. Typically, a buyer’s agent earns a 2.5-3% commission on the purchase price. With our program, you receive a 1.5-2% rebate, while we retain 1%.
Securing your 2% rebate when purchasing a new home is simple. Major builders welcome real estate agents, and since buyers don’t receive discounts by purchasing directly from builders, our rebate offers clear savings. To ensure eligibility, builders must register your Realmart agent. When visiting a builder’s sales office, inform them that you’re working with a Realmart agent, or contact us to pre-register you before your visit.
Our professional service fee is a minimum of 1% of the transaction or $3,000, whichever is greater. If the buyer’s agent commission is 3%, your rebate will be 2%. If the commission is 2.5%, your rebate will be 1.5%. The maximum cash rebate is 2%, as outlined in our Buyer Rebate Agreement.
The buyer rebate can be a substantial amount. For example, on a $1,000,000 home purchase, you could receive a $20,000 rebate. However, if the rebate is taxable, it may reduce the net benefit. Consult your accountant for definitive tax advice. For additional insight, we recommend reviewing this blog on IRS rulings regarding real estate buyer rebates: Realtor Blog: Is Buyer Rebate Taxable?.
To potentially minimize IRS reporting requirements, you can opt to apply the rebate directly to your closing statement, reducing your down payment. In this case, Realmart would not issue a 1099 form.
Explore properties online using platforms like Zillow, Homes.com or Realtor.com, where you can save custom searches and receive email alerts for new listings. We’ll also configure automatic MLS alerts based on your specific home preferences. Review and select only the properties that interest you to streamline the process for both you and us.
To be represented by us and qualify for the buyer rebate, you must sign a Buyer Rebate Agreement, which you may cancel at any time. This agreement ensures your rebate at closing and secures our services throughout the transaction. Once signed, you must disclose to all parties that you are represented. When asked if you have an agent, respond clearly: “Yes, I/we have an exclusive buyer-agency agreement.” Misrepresenting yourself to a realtor or homeowner to view a property and then switching agencies is unethical and will disqualify you from our representation and the rebate.
Upon signing the Buyer Rebate Agreement, we will act as your dedicated buyer’s agent and provide you with our business cards. Present these cards to showing agents at open houses or other property viewings to confirm your representation. If you spot a home of interest while driving through neighborhoods, contact us to check availability and schedule a viewing. If we’re unavailable and you encounter a homeowner outside, politely introduce yourself, provide our business card, and ask them to pass it to their listing agent to arrange an appointment. Always inquire about the next scheduled open house. Do not disclose the rebate to the listing agent or seller, but you must state that you are represented. We strongly advise against knocking on doors. At all open houses, sign in using Realmart’s contact information and leave our business card with the showing agent.
Yes, open houses are an excellent opportunity to view properties, but you must bring our business cards and sign in using Realmart Realty’s contact information. Most new listings (less than 4 weeks old) host open houses, which are ideal for finding fresh inventory. If you’re familiar with a specific market, older listings may not suit your needs. Properties with significant price reductions often schedule open houses as well.
Open houses may be hosted by other agents from the same brokerage. Before signing any documents or sign-in sheets, read them carefully. Always use Realmart Realty’s contact information when signing in. Clearly inform the hosting agent that you are already represented by an agent and provide them with our business card. Soliciting clients who are already represented is strictly prohibited. If another agent attempts to represent you after you’ve disclosed your representation, please notify us immediately.
No, most real estate brokerages do not permit buyer rebates. Typically, the total commission is 6%, split evenly between the buyer’s agent (3%) and the seller’s agent (3%). If you purchase directly through the listing agent, they may act as a disclosed dual agent, collecting the full 6% commission. The standard 6% Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement ensures the listing agent receives the entire commission, even if the seller finds the buyer—whether it’s a family member or not. This structure favors realtors, as no discounts are provided for bypassing a buyer’s agent. Additionally, most large brokerages prohibit their agents from offering rebates. Even if an agent wanted to provide a rebate, they typically split their 3% commission 50/50 with their broker, leaving insufficient funds to offer a 2% rebate to the buyer. In most cases, even if an agent agreed to forgo their share, a 2% rebate would not be feasible.
Importantly, do not request a rebate from the listing agent, as this could weaken your negotiating position if the seller learns of the rebate. Allow us to secure the best purchase price first. Only after the contract is signed should you disclose your cash rebate to all parties.
If a listing, particularly an older one, does not have an open house scheduled, you can still explore properties during typical open house hours (e.g., Saturday or Sunday, 1–4 PM) in the neighborhood. We strongly advise against knocking on doors. However, if you see the homeowner outside, politely introduce yourself, provide our business card, and say:
“I’m touring homes in the area today and noticed your property—it’s very appealing. Would it be possible to preview your home in about an hour? Here’s my pre-approval letter and my realtor’s business card. If now isn’t convenient, I can have my agent contact your realtor to schedule a showing.”
Do not press to view the home immediately, as sellers need time to prepare. Often, they’ll allow a courtesy viewing after about an hour. If they decline, thank them and ask about the next open house or contact us to arrange a showing.
If you cannot reach us and want to inquire about a property, first inspect the exterior to confirm your interest—do not waste the listing agent’s time. If you proceed, call the listing agent and be clear that you are represented:
“Hello, Ms./Mr. [Agent’s Name], my name is [Your Name]. I’m touring homes today and came across your listing at [Address]. Is it still available? I have an exclusive buyer’s agent but couldn’t reach them or their assistant. The homeowner is here, and I’m wondering if you could speak with them to arrange a preview in about an hour. I’ve seen several homes in the neighborhood, I’m pre-approved, and I’m ready to make an offer.”
Some agents will appreciate your transparency and assist by coordinating with the seller. If they’re unwilling to help, that’s perfectly fine—just ask when the next open house is scheduled.
If no open houses are planned, don’t worry. Contact us, and we’ll arrange a private showing for any property you’re interested in.
Yes, you can always view an available home, and your rebate remains intact. If a listing agent isn’t holding open houses, we’ll assign a Realmart agent to schedule a private showing for you. To streamline the process, first drive by properties to confirm the exterior and location meet your preferences. When you’re ready to view the interior, contact your Realmart agent to arrange an appointment. This approach saves time by focusing on homes you’re genuinely interested in, allowing us to operate efficiently and share a portion of our commission as a rebate at closing.
The rebate amount depends on how you view the home and the commission offered by the seller. If you visit homes via open houses, you qualify for a higher rebate (up to 2%). For homes viewed by appointment, the rebate is lower (up to 1%) due to the additional agent time required. Realmart retains a minimum commission of 1.5%, with the remaining commission rebated to you. Below is an example of how the rebate is calculated for a $750,000 home:
Buyer Agent Commission Offered by Seller |
Homes Visited at Open Houses |
Homes Visited by Appointment |
---|---|---|
3.0% ($22,500) |
2.0% Rebate: $15,000 |
1.0% Rebate: $7,500 |
2.5% ($18,750) |
1.5% Rebate: $11,250 |
1.0% Rebate: $7,500 |
2.0% ($15,000) |
1.0% Rebate: $7,500 |
0.5% Rebate: $3,750 |
Our rebate program rewards buyers who help us work efficiently by prioritizing open houses or pre-screening homes. Note that if you view any home by appointment with an agent, your maximum rebate will be 1%, even if you later purchase a home seen at an open house. The total rebate is tied to the commission offered to the buyer’s agent.