How Much of a Rebate Will I Receive?
Typically, we offer between 50% of our commission in the form of a rebate. Based on a 3% Buyer Agent Commission offered by the Listing Brokerage to Coop MLS Members.
$ 300,000 Home = $ 4,500 rebate
$ 600,000 Home = $ 9,000 rebate
$ 900,000 Home = $13,500 rebate
$1,500,000 Home = $22,500 rebate
$3,000,000 Home = $45,000 rebate
What Is a Home Buyer Rebate?
Home buyer rebates, also known as commission rebates, are when a real estate agent who’s helping their client buy a home gives a portion of the commission they receive from the seller back to their client.
The buyer can use this rebate for their down payment, closing costs, to buy points on their mortgage, and in some cases, can even take the rebate as cash at closing. It’s important to note that if you’re using a mortgage lender to finance your home, they have to approve how you use the rebate. Many lenders won’t let you take the rebate as cash at closing.
Commission rebates allow you to afford a more expensive home, or to save on your down payment for your dream home.
In a sellers market, home buyer rebate is a powerful tool that savvy buyers can use to stand out from their competitors. If a home is listed at $400,000, a buyer that’s receiving a rebate could potentially offer $406,000—and pay the exact same amount as another buyer that offered $400,000.
For homes that receive multiple offers, this could be the difference between your offer being accepted, and months of searching for another home.
How Do Home Buyer Rebates Actually Work?
The graphic below shows how the rebate process typically works.
Home Buying Rebates
In a traditional real estate sale, the seller hires an agent and offers between 4-6% to their agent to sell the home. Their agent then offers half of that to the buyer’s agent.
If the buyer has hired an agent that offers a commission rebate, the agent will give them a portion of the commission offered by the seller’s agent.
Where Are Home Buyer Rebates Legal? Utah? Yes.
Commission rebates are legal in 40 states, and the US Department of Justice supports making rebates legal in all 10 states.
In fact, the Department of Justice actively investigates any organization that tries to regulate real estate commissions. The DOJ is also leading a broad effort to educate states about the benefits of competitive real estate commissions in an effort to legalize rebates in all 50 states.
This graphic from the Department of Justice will let you know if home buyer rebates are legal in your state:
Are Rebates Tax Exempt?
The answer is yes. The IRS says that a cash rebate paid to a buyer of property at or after closing is an adjustment in the price, and is therefore not taxable income to the buyer. ... Since they are not taxable income, such rebates need not be reported on Form 1099-MISC. We do recommend that you consult with you accountant for verification. We can rebate you in the form of a check after closing, reduction in sales price (this could lower your cost basis for property taxes), or pay closing cost.
The Process for existing homes (50% rebate):
1) Search for Properties
Search for property on your favorite website, i.e. Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.. Sign up for new listings.
2) Identify Properties
If possible, drive by properties of interest. Narrow down your choices based on neighborhood, price, etc. See if the listing agent will show you the property but do not sign an agreement.
3) Contact Us for Rebate Amount
Submit contact form and indicate the MLS #s or addresses of properties you are interested in.
4) Make Offer and Close
We can assist you with your home search, property tours, making an offer, negotiating a deal, writing the contract, and closing sale.
The Process for new home builders (we typically rebate 50%):
1) Contact us - BEFORE you sign a contract with builder, seller, agent or starting the process.
2) Make sure to list "Town & Country Apollo Properties, Lynn C Fillmore" as your agent, when visiting builders.
3) Close on your dream home and collect your rebate! We can credit it towards your closing costs or price reduction. Typically mortgage companies do not allow you to take money outside of closing. The rebate must be put in the sales contract and best best way is to pay your closing cost that you would normally out of pocket. This would be the same thing as writing you a check.
Get instant leverage..... with a reduction or credit in Commissions
BUYERS
I am a leading Utah E-Broker that specializes in assisting smart and savvy buyers. The secret is, smart buyers like you can EARN money to buy a home, a rebate for up to 1.5% of purchasing price. You will enjoy driving around and checking out houses at your own pace without any pressure. I am at your fingertips when you need help to:
DRAFT an offer
NEGOTIATE on prices and terms
ENTER into final contract
OBTAIN mortgage financing
ORDER home inspection
CLOSE on your dream home
YOU HAVE FULL control over all decisions along the entire process
DISCLAIMER: Please consult accountant on tax liability of buyer commission rebate
Work with the Lynn Fillmore, Principal Broker, Realtor, Listing Agent, and Buyer Agent.
Are you in the market to buy or building a new, custom home?
Considering a National or Local Utah Builder?
WHY NOT GET PAID TO DO IT!!!
Example: Town & Country Apollo Properties closed a property for $800,000, the Buyer Brokerage commission was $24,000 and the Buyer received a rebate check for $12,000!
How do rebates work?
Town & Country Apollo Properties offers a rebate payable directly to our Client, the Buyer, after closing; or if Lender permitted-a credit on the settlement statement at time of closing.
What does the Department of Justice have to say? Click Here!
How to earn buyer real estate rebate at closing!
How to begin: Register here online, or just give us a call and let's get the ball rolling!
If you have already found a home you would like to preview, just provide us with the MLS# or property information. We can look up the history of the property and verify the status, MLS history, public records as well as provide a copy of the property disclosures prior to viewing the home.
Additionally, at your request, we will enter your information into the MLS system so you receive emails of any home that meets your criteria automatically! You would be the first to know when a home is listed or the price reduced that meets your guidelines.
Get Pre-Approved:
Pre-approved buyers have much greater negotiating power than those who have not. Submitting a pre-approval letter with an offer strengthens credibility and ensures the Seller you are a serious buyer. Not sure who to contact? Just give us call!
Communicating with Agents, Builders & Sellers
Disclose to ALL parties that you have retained Town & Country Apollo Properties to represent you and make it clear you are not retaining their services. We highly recommend you consult with us prior to communicating with any listing agent so we can ensure you have been properly registered as our client.
New Homes: If you're buying a new home from a builder in a subdivision just let the builder / developer know you have an agent and you receive the rebate. We request that you have the builder or builder's rep provide you with a note verifying they have registered you as our client and provide a copy to us upon receipt. ALL New Home Clients will receive a 50% rebate/credit!
Note: Properties currently listed with Town & Country Apollo Properties are eligible for the rebate program. However a reduction in price or Realtor Incentive may apply vs a Rebate, so your offer through us as an In House Agent will have advantages over other offers. We work along side you the buyer and our sellers without any outside agents involved ensuring the maximum savings for both parties.
Offers: Town & Country Apollo Properties will assist our registered Clients with facilitating all offers, counter offers, inspection request to remedies; order title work and review settlement statements at no additional charge.
How Much of a Rebate Will I Receive?
Typically, we offer between 50% of our commission in the form of a rebate. Based on a 3% Buyer Agent Commission offered by the Listing Brokerage to Coop MLS Members.
$ 300,000 Home = $ 4,500 rebate
$ 600,000 Home = $ 9,000 rebate
$ 900,000 Home = $13,500 rebate
$1,500,000 Home = $22,500 rebate
$3,000,000 Home = $45,000 rebate
What Is a Home Buyer Rebate?
Home buyer rebates, also known as commission rebates, are when a real estate agent who’s helping their client buy a home gives a portion of the commission they receive from the seller back to their client.
The buyer can use this rebate for their down payment, closing costs, to buy points on their mortgage, and in some cases, can even take the rebate as cash at closing. It’s important to note that if you’re using a mortgage lender to finance your home, they have to approve how you use the rebate. Many lenders won’t let you take the rebate as cash at closing.
Commission rebates allow you to afford a more expensive home, or to save on your down payment for your dream home.
In a sellers market, home buyer rebate is a powerful tool that savvy buyers can use to stand out from their competitors. If a home is listed at $400,000, a buyer that’s receiving a rebate could potentially offer $406,000—and pay the exact same amount as another buyer that offered $400,000.
For homes that receive multiple offers, this could be the difference between your offer being accepted, and months of searching for another home.
How Do Home Buyer Rebates Actually Work?
The graphic below shows how the rebate process typically works.
Home Buying Rebates
In a traditional real estate sale, the seller hires an agent and offers between 4-6% to their agent to sell the home. Their agent then offers half of that to the buyer’s agent.
If the buyer has hired an agent that offers a commission rebate, the agent will give them a portion of the commission offered by the seller’s agent.
Where Are Home Buyer Rebates Legal? Utah? Yes.
Commission rebates are legal in 40 states, and the US Department of Justice supports making rebates legal in all 10 states.
In fact, the Department of Justice actively investigates any organization that tries to regulate real estate commissions. The DOJ is also leading a broad effort to educate states about the benefits of competitive real estate commissions in an effort to legalize rebates in all 50 states.
This graphic from the Department of Justice will let you know if home buyer rebates are legal in your state:
Are Rebates Tax Exempt?
The answer is yes. The IRS says that a cash rebate paid to a buyer of property at or after closing is an adjustment in the price, and is therefore not taxable income to the buyer. ... Since they are not taxable income, such rebates need not be reported on Form 1099-MISC. We do recommend that you consult with you accountant for verification. We can rebate you in the form of a check after closing, reduction in sales price (this could lower your cost basis for property taxes), or pay closing cost.
The Process for existing homes (50% rebate):
1) Search for Properties
Search for property on your favorite website, i.e. Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc.. Sign up for new listings.
2) Identify Properties
If possible, drive by properties of interest. Narrow down your choices based on neighborhood, price, etc. See if the listing agent will show you the property but do not sign an agreement.
3) Contact Us for Rebate Amount
Submit contact form and indicate the MLS #s or addresses of properties you are interested in.
4) Make Offer and Close
We can assist you with your home search, property tours, making an offer, negotiating a deal, writing the contract, and closing sale.
The Process for new home builders (we typically rebate 50%):
1) Contact us - BEFORE you sign a contract with builder, seller, agent or starting the process.
2) Make sure to list "Town & Country Apollo Properties, Lynn C Fillmore" as your agent, when visiting builders.
3) Close on your dream home and collect your rebate! We can credit it towards your closing costs or price reduction. Typically mortgage companies do not allow you to take money outside of closing. The rebate must be put in the sales contract and best best way is to pay your closing cost that you would normally out of pocket. This would be the same thing as writing you a check.
For info about our services ... click on pricing table text and a window will open.
Buyer Brokerage Fee
Utah Buyer Brokerage Fee. The Buyer Brokerage Fee also known as the Buyer Agent Commission or (the “BAC”) is no longer posted over the MLS system. Per the NAR lawsuit, compensation to Buyer Brokerage will not be displayed over the MLS System. The Buyer Brokerage Commission, if any, will be requested by Buyer in the Utah Real Estate Purchase Contract (the “REPC”) in Section 4.3(e). The request for Buyer Agent Compensation is a negotiable item as are all other items in the REPC from Buyer to Seller.
The Buyer may choose to remain UNREPRESENTED by signing an Unrepresented Buyer Disclosure or Buyer may be REPRESENTED by the Listing Brokerage by Signing a Buyer Broker Agreement with a Limited Agency Disclosure Agreement. The Seller is not considered a “For Sale By Owner” but is at all times represented by the Company and the Seller’s Agent. The request for Buyer Agent Compensation is a negotiable item as are all other items in the REPC from Buyer to Seller.
MLS Compliance Fee
MLS Compliance Fee. On all sales, there shall be an “MLS Compliance Fee”. This MLS Compliance fee is .0025 or ¼% of the Net Sale Price on all listings. This fee shall be collected at closing and due to the Company, to cover costs associated with coordinating the transaction and employing and enforcing policies and procedures required to stay compliant with State Laws and local board Rules. If buyer comes direct to seller with no agent, the MLS Compliance Fee shall still be due from Seller at closing.
Photos in MLS
Photos in MLS
* Each MLS has their own max number of photos that can be placed on the MLS.
Below is a list of max photos allowed by your local MLS.
Wasatch Front Regional MLS - 50 photos
Park City MLS - 50 photos
Iron County MLS - 50 photos
Washington County MLS - 50 photos
Listing Term
Listing term depends listing plan. (Up to 12 Months)
You may cancel your listing at anytime, for any reason, unless your property is under contract.
The MLS does not allow us to cancel, if a property if it is under contract.
REALTOR® MLS
Listing on REALTOR® MLS
Please call if you are not sure of our coverage area.
We are a Utah Licensed Brokerage and member of all 4 Utah MLS systems:
- Wasatch Front Regional MLS for Central, South East & Northern Utah Properties
- Park City MLS for Summit County & Northern Mountain Properties *
- Iron County MLS for Cedar City, Utah Area Properties
- Washington County MLS for South West Utah Properties
REALTOR.COM
The only way to get on realtor.com is the be listed with a REALTOR® on the MLS. We have set up the MLS to feed your property onto realtor.com.
Zillow, Trulia & many more
Zillow, Trulia, Redfin & more
* Zillow
* Trulia
* Redfin
* Zip Realty
* MLS.com
* Yahoo Homes
* AOL Real Estate
* Homes.com
* and many more!
(in most areas)
Local REALTOR® Sites
Listing on most real estate company sites!
(in most areas)
Your MLS listing is uploaded by the IDX Data system. Your listing will become part of most real estate company sites!
(in most areas)
Simply choose your program at our secure checkout.
This sends us an email to start a folder with your property address.
After you sign up, you'll go to our Listing Documents page.
Simply complete the listing agreement & datasheet on your property, all digitally.
Add a nice description to us.
Upload Photos.
We will input your listing and save it as a "Partial" then email it to you to proof. We'll also get the sign and lockbox out within 24 hours.
You proof the listing and advise of any changes, then we go live! Normally all of this is done within 24 hours of receipt of all docs and photos.
Contracts, Addendums & Disclosures
We provide all necessary contracts, disclosures, and addendums needed to sell or lease your property. We only use only state approved contracts provided by the real estate commission and approved contracts by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.
We provide all necessary contracts, forms, disclosures, and addendums needed to sell or lease your property.
Contact for Showings
Contact for Showings:
Limited Service: Seller is contact for callers. Seller, Contact information / number on MLS
Your phone number will appear as contact for Showing instructions and in the private agent remarks section of the MLS.
Full Service: Agent is Contact for callers. If desired, Your phone number may appear as an additional contact party and in the private agent remarks section of the MLS for Full Service Plans
Yard Sign
Sign upon request. (not required)
* Standard sign 18"x24"
* Sign Choice. We make available 2 different signs.
1- Blank area for Seller #
2- Brokerage # imbedded in the same area.
Frames & Signs are available for delivery and pick up
A COMPANY Sign may be included but is not required, However, MLS policy states that the only sign on the subject property shall be that of the Company. “FOR SALE BY OWNER” signs are NOT allowed on MLS listed properties.
(Additional Sign can be mailed for $65 USPS) (Optional: Sign Framed Sign ($175) Placed and Retrieved.
Framed Sign included with Platinum and Traditional Service Plans
Printable Color Flyer
Printable property flyer from MLS or realtor.com.
Very easy and no set up required. Creates automatically when we list your property on the MLS.
Anytime we make a change on the MLS, We can send you a updated posting, posting will also change automatically on realtor.com and you can print a new multi-page detailed flyer.
Printable Flyer
Printable property flyer from realtor.com
Very easy and no set up required. Creates automatically when we list your property on the MLS.
Anytime we make a change on the MLS, it will change automatically on realtor.com and you can print a new multi-page detailed flyer.
Aligned Appointment Service
Aligned Showing is available on the WFRMLS
Limited Service: Agents will contact You directly for appointments unless noted otherwise (KeyBox, Knock, etc...)
* Showing scheduling service for Agents and Sellers
* Aligned Showings available on WFRMLS * Clients that do not use this service, will miss appointments due to the complexity of the agent having to set the appointment. It is highly recommended using Aligned Showings.
Showing Feedback
Showing Feedback
After each show, CSS showing service emails each buyer agent for feedback. You have your own personal site to monitor feedback and showings. This is a fantastic service.
Run Sales Comps - CMA
Sale Comparables
Pricing your property is the most important part of selling and understanding how the MLS works. We will run the data upon your request and have a discussion of pricing and the process.
When we do a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) we look at these things:
MLS Data over the past 180 Days, Active, Under Contract and SOLD
Properties within 1 Mile of Subject Property
Properties that fall into the Subject Properties parameters. Age, Sq/Ft, Lot Size, Amenities etc....
CMA is Generated by MLS System
Actives are you Competition, Solds are the Appraisers comparison for valuation.
Review & discuss contracts
Contract review and offer advice
* Review contract, page by page
* Offer advice an opinions
* Calculate closing cost
* Review done by phone & email
Prepare & send counter offer
Counter offer
Once we have discussed contract, we will prepare and send counter offer to buyer agent.
Handle negotiation process
Negotiations
We are always Your Agent. We can handle the negotations on your behalf
ADOBE-Doc Sign
Makes online signing sales contracts simple and accurate.
This is a fantastic option!
Adobe Sign is a cloud-based e-signature service that lets you
Send, Sign, Manage & Archive Documents w/ 100% Legal E-Signatures.
Professional Photos
We have a network of real estate photographers that will come to your home and take digital photos that they will process so that they look their best. This is an optional product and price vary depending on the size of the house and the number of photos required.
Combo/Contractor Key Box
Combo / Contractor Key Box
A variety of Contractor Combo Key Box types are available.
Supra Key Box and Sentrilock Key Box (Realtor Access)
Available for fee. ($200) Included with Platinum & Traditional Plans
Realtor Supra KeyBox Delivered and retrieved. Upon Request
Supra Key Box and Sentrilock Key Box are available
Fee $200. Included with Platinum & Traditional Plans
Realtor KeyBox will be delivered and retrieved. Upon Request
----------- MLS Supra GE Realtors® Key-Box may be installed on Property: (Supra Key-Box ($200) Placed and Retrieved).
Framed Sign Delivered
Sign upon request. (not required) * Standard sign 18"x24" * Sign Choice. We make available 2 different signs.
1- Blank area for Seller #
2- Brokerage # imbedded in the same area.
Frames & Signs are available for delivery and pick up
(Sign / Additional Sign can be mailed for $65 USPS)
(Optional: Framed Sign $175, Placed and Retrieved. distant locations may incur added fee.
Framed Sign included with Platinum and Traditional Service Plans
Bronze Limited Service
Limited Service. With our Bronze Plan, Payment is Monthly, Auto renewed unless cancelled. The seller is responsible for scheduling access to property. Some agents prefer not to deal with sellers as opposed to the listing agent.
SILVER Limited Service
Limited Service. With our Silver Plan, the Term is Extended to up to 12 Months but still a flat fee mls limited service listing. Includes MLS Showing Service. A much better looking listing too with more photos & other features.
Silver Plan. $ 599 Upfront. Limited Service, Up to 12 Months. A Framed Company Sign, Realtor Approved Key Box and Photo Appointment are available as Menu item.
GOLD Full Service
Full Service. We are here to assist from offer through closing! We provide you peace of mind knowing we're there to help from listing through closing. With 30 years + & over thousands deals, we can help guide you too.
Gold Plan. $999 Upfront, Full Service Up to 12 Months, the Seller’s Agent will also include a Company Sign upon request. (USPS) Platinum Services available "a la cart". You have a choice
Platinum Full Service
Full Service. Also available with no Upfront Fee as a Traditional Service with 1.5% Company fee to us at closing, for our Clients who wish to Pay on the Back End when Funds are available. You always have a choice with Us.
Platinum Plan. $1999 Upfront, Full Service Up to 12 Months (Compare "Homie" Flat Fee @ $5,000 to $10,000, DO NOT OVER PAY FOR THE SAME SERVICES) the Seller’s Agent will also include Framed Company Sign, Realtor Approved Key Box and Photo Appointment upon request https://www.homie.com/
Our Traditional Service:
Traditional Plan 1.5% due at Closing to Listing Brokerage (See Services for Platinum Plan below). No Upfront Fees. Traditional Services, 12 Month Term. ($395 is due for early termination of Traditional Marketing)
GE Supra Key Box (included with Platinum Plan)
Restrictions may be added: Appointment prior to access. Time limitations for access,
Allows for Email notification of Box User. Sent to Listing Agent and Seller (if desired) Great Follow up tool and added security.
MLS Supra GE Realtors® Key-Box on Property: a MLS Supra GE Realtors® Key-Box. Included with Platinum Plan. (Supra Key-Box ($200) Placed and Retrieved). If the Seller installs a non-MLS key-box on the Property, Seller acknowledges that it may not provide the same level of security as the MLS or local board of Realtors® approved/endorsed security key-box
Combination Key Box
Easy Access for Agents. No Reporting (lower security) Delivered USPS or Fed Ex
Framed Sign (included with Platinum Plan)
You may already have a frame or one may be obtained at local retailers. We are happy to add this service item to your menu options
Included with Full Service Plus
(Optional: Framed Sign ($175) Placed and Retrieved. distant location may incur added fee)
Additional Real Estate Sign
$65 Mailed. USPS (Optional: Framed Sign ($175) Placed and Retrieved. distant location may incur added fee)
About Us
Best Choice Flat Fee™ is a national group of independent real estate brokers. With us, you’re listing your property direct with a local state licensed REALTOR® and will save thousands on agent commissions.
Each one of our broker/REALTOR® has years of experience, specializing in listing and selling. We are here to provide you with outstanding service & support. Please call and ask questions if you like, or just order online.
