How common is it for buyers to get part of the commission?

[Anonymous]

We like our realtor, but at this point we've been doing most of the work ourselves -- going to open houses, sending him listings we want to see, etc. He has spoken to listing agents on our behalf twice and sent us 1 or 2 off-market listings so we'd like to continue working with him. But I've heard that some realtors share a portion of the commission with their clients (in part to compete with firms like Redfin who offer this). Can anyone tell me how common this is and if your realtor has agreed to it?

[Anonymous]

Oh good, another thread about getting a rebate from a buyer's agent.

[Anonymous]

Common. But at this point, your realtor has already done work for you and it would be wrong to bring it up now.

I'm sure yours will give you a $50 gift card at closing though.

[Anonymous]

I love the narcissism of DCUM - I’m a better (teacher,doctor,realtor,...) than the ones I am engaged with. Never mind the years of education and certifications and experience - I googled it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We like our realtor, but at this point we've been doing most of the work ourselves -- going to open houses, sending him listings we want to see, etc. He has spoken to listing agents on our behalf twice and sent us 1 or 2 off-market listings so we'd like to continue working with him. But I've heard that some realtors share a portion of the commission with their clients (in part to compete with firms like Redfin who offer this). Can anyone tell me how common this is and if your realtor has agreed to it?

I went straight to the advertised cash-back brokers. My experience:

Glass House: I really wanted that 2% back, but it wasn't worth working with someone who wasn't responsive. I saw a few Zillow reviews that were questionable. I didn't write a review, but I experienced the same thing the bad reviewers said about his lack of communication. In this competitive environment you need to act fast.

Keith Min: Super responsive, genuinely wants to do the best job he can for you. Bonus: licensed real estate attorney. Honest guy. Sent me to another firm who specializes in my targeted neighborhood. AND told me to call him if I needed anything from him, no obligation.

Rob Spicer: Everyone loves him. Offers different options, depending on how you want to use his services.

I talked to a few agents who didn't advertise as "cash-back", but they were willing to do 1% back. I would go with Keith Min or Rob Spicer. Keith is hands-on and committed to the buyer, in my experience. Rob Spicer will save you a ton of money if you know what you're doing and don't need him for the small stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Common. But at this point, your realtor has already done work for you and it would be wrong to bring it up now.

I'm sure yours will give you a $50 gift card at closing though.

Actually "at this point" our agreement has expired. So we could part ways if I chose to do that. I want to write-up and sign a new agreement with him, but this time I'm considering asking for a rebate. He still will get a substantial commission out of the deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love the narcissism of DCUM - I’m a better (teacher,doctor,realtor,...) than the ones I am engaged with. Never mind the years of education and certifications and experience - I googled it.

Real estate agents are required to be educated. They take a few hours of coursework and pass an exam. Certifications are worthless. Don't frame these in your ugly black Staples frames and put them on the wall. It's embarrassing. Thing is, you googled it too. That's how you know what you know. You don't have any specialized experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh good, another thread about getting a rebate from a buyer's agent.

Everyone should.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love the narcissism of DCUM - I’m a better (teacher,doctor,realtor,...) than the ones I am engaged with. Never mind the years of education and certifications and experience - I googled it.

Education and certifications required for shopping for a house? Nah. I do believe Real Estate Attorneys have merit because contract mistakes do happen and you need to be covered. Realtors used to get 6% because they had access to the MRIS that they didn't allow outsiders to see.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Common. But at this point, your realtor has already done work for you and it would be wrong to bring it up now.

I'm sure yours will give you a $50 gift card at closing though.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Common. But at this point, your realtor has already done work for you and it would be wrong to bring it up now.

I'm sure yours will give you a $50 gift card at closing though.

+1

You can ask but you probably already signed some contract that says the full commission will be paid to your realtor. In the future look for a realtor that rebates back part of the commission.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We like our realtor, but at this point we've been doing most of the work ourselves -- going to open houses, sending him listings we want to see, etc. He has spoken to listing agents on our behalf twice and sent us 1 or 2 off-market listings so we'd like to continue working with him. But I've heard that some realtors share a portion of the commission with their clients (in part to compete with firms like Redfin who offer this). Can anyone tell me how common this is and if your realtor has agreed to it?

I know of an agent in Arlington that doesn't push a contract. He'll work without one. Are you shopping in N. Arlington? I don't know if he'll do a rebate. He's extremely responsive, knowledgable, works hard for you, and you trust implicitly that he's on your team. If I go with a full service 3% agent, I'm calling him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Common. But at this point, your realtor has already done work for you and it would be wrong to bring it up now.

I'm sure yours will give you a $50 gift card at closing though.

+1

You can ask but you probably already signed some contract that says the full commission will be paid to your realtor. In the future look for a realtor that rebates back part of the commission.

See my previous post at 8:38. Our contract has expired.

[Anonymous]

90% of the time

[Anonymous]

real estate agents are going the way of the dodo. expect massive shake-off in the years to come.

yes, ask for a rebate. 1% is minimum.