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Commission Rebates, Refunds, and Credits for CT Home Buyers

Commission Rebates — We Put Clients First

We don’t just help you find your dream home — we also rebate a large portion of our commission to put cash back in your pocket.

Home Buyer Commission Rebate Program

We believe that buying a home should be a rewarding experience, not just a transaction. That’s why we proudly offer a unique approach: We share a large portion of our commission with you! For financially savvy buyers, this approach is a smart way to maximize value in a real estate transaction.

What is a Buyer’s Agent Rebate and How Does it Work?

A buyer’s agent rebate (also known as a buyer’s agent credit or refund) is a portion of the commission earned by a buyer’s real estate agent that is returned to the buyer after closing. It’s a way for the buyer to save money on the purchase of a home, particularly in higher-priced transactions where commissions are significant. This rebate can be used to increase your down payment, cover closing costs, or simply to put extra cash back in your pocket. It’s our way of ensuring that you get the most out of your realtor relationship.

How Commissions Are Structured

In most real estate transactions, the seller pays the total commission, typically 4% to 6% of the home’s purchase price. This commission is split between:

  • The seller’s agent (listing agent)
  • The buyer’s agent (representing the buyer)

For example, in a $5 million home sale with a 5% commission, the total commission is $250,000. The buyer’s agent would typically receive half—$125,000.

Rebating a Portion of the Commission

In a rebate agreement, the buyer’s agent returns a portion of their commission to the buyer after the deal closes. The amount of the rebate can vary but is often a percentage of the agent’s commission.

For example, if the buyer’s agent agrees to rebate 50% of the 2.5% commission on a $5 million home, the buyer would receive $62,500 back at closing.

The rebate is typically paid to the buyer after closing in one of the following ways:

  • Credit at Closing: The rebate reduces the buyer’s closing costs, such as title fees or transfer taxes.
  • Direct Payment: The buyer receives a check or wire transfer after the transaction is completed.
  • Down Payment Offset: In some cases, the rebate can reduce the amount needed for the down payment.

Why We Do It

We’re in the business of building lasting relationships with our clients. Our commission rebate model is a testament to our commitment to putting our clients first. We want to help you maximize your investment from day one.

What Sets Cress Apart

Tangible Value: By choosing us to represent your transaction, you’re not just getting a knowledgeable agent — you’re also unlocking real, tangible value. We’re proud to offer our clients a significant financial benefit that can make a real difference in the affordability of your home.

Stronger Offers: In a competitive market, every dollar counts. Our commission rebate gives you the financial edge you need to make a stronger offer, whether it’s by increasing your down payment, reducing your loan amount, or covering closing costs. With us, you’re better positioned to secure the home you love.

Flexible Rebates: Your rebate is yours to use as you see fit. Whether you’re interested in buying down your mortgage rate, investing in improvements or repairs, or simply saving for future expenses, our model puts you in control. We’re here to help you make the most of your investment.

Transparent and Trustworthy: We are committed to full transparency in every transaction. We believe that honesty and integrity should be the foundation of any real estate relationship. That’s why we’re upfront about our commission-sharing model, and we ensure that all parties are fully informed every step of the way.

Experience the Difference

When you work with us, you’re choosing a partner who values your financial well-being as much as you do. Let us show you how our innovative approach can enhance your buying experience and bring you closer to your real estate goals.

Contact us today to learn more about how our commission-rebate model can benefit you, and let’s start your journey toward a smarter, more rewarding home-buying experience.

How Much We Rebate

We use a sliding scale to determine your commission rebate, ensuring that the more you invest in your new home, the more you save.

How It Works

Our sliding scale is designed to provide greater savings on higher purchase prices, however, the exact amount you receive will depend on the commission offered to buyer’s agents by the seller (typically 2% to 3% of the purchase price). As the price of your home increases, so does the percentage of our commission that we rebate. This means that for higher-value transactions, you receive a more substantial rebate — putting even more money back in your pocket.

For example, were you to purchase a $2,000,000 home, we would rebate $25,000 or 50% of the buyer’s agent commission (assuming buyer’s agent commission of 2.5%).

Purchase Range
Rebate Amount
$5,000,000+
Contact Us
$2,000,000 - $4,999,999
50%
$1,500,000 - $1,999,999
40%
$1,000,000 - $1,499,999
30%
$500,000 - $999,999
20%
Less than $499,999
0%

Why It Matters

Our sliding scale puts more cash back in the buyers of multi-million-dollar homes. This approach not only enhances your buying power but also provides you with greater financial flexibility. Use your rebate to boost your down payment, cover closing costs, or offset moving expenses — the choice is yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the typical commission structure for residential real estate deals in Fairfield County, CT?

In Fairfield County, CT, the seller usually pays a commission of 5-6% of the purchase price, which is shared with the buyer’s broker if there is one. In some cases, the seller might negotiate a lower rate, reducing the commission to around 4%.

If a buyer doesn’t have an agent, does the seller lower the purchase price to reflect the savings?

Without a buyer’s agent, the seller’s agent typically takes the full commission, meaning unrepresented buyers won’t see any price reduction. With us, you can get full-service representation, and you won’t miss out on commission rebates.

Will it cost me anything to work with you as a buyer? Are there any hidden fees?

No, there are no costs or hidden fees for buyers working with us. The seller or the seller’s broker pays the buyer’s broker’s commission at closing.

Are commission rebates legal?

Yes, commission rebates are fully legal in Connecticut and 39 other states. You can find more information, here.

Are commission rebates taxable?

According to an IRS ruling, commission rebates generally reduce the buyer’s cost basis in the property and are not taxed as ordinary income. For example, if you receive a $25,000 rebate on a $2,000,000 home, the IRS considers the purchase price to be $1,975,000. We don’t issue a 1099 for the rebate, but we recommend consulting a tax professional for advice on your specific situation.

How much could I save by hiring you?

You can save a significant amount. For example, on a $2,000,000 home purchase with a 2.5% buy-side commission, your rebate could be $25,000.

Will other realtors work with you?

Yes, realtors are legally and contractually obligated to work with us, as they have a fiduciary duty to represent the best interests of their clients.

I’ve been searching for homes and making offers on my own. Why should I hire you?

Even if you’ve been managing the process yourself, we bring substantial expertise to the table. We provide in-depth market knowledge, years of industry experience, and comprehensive support for every transaction. Plus, we offer up to 50% of our commission back to you after closing.

Should I reach out to realtors directly to view homes not listed for open houses?

The current market etiquette is for buyer’s brokers to handle all communication and scheduling for private showings.

I don’t like realtors. Why should I consider working with you?

We get it—many of our clients share your concerns. But we consider ourselves among the rare realtors who prioritize honesty, hard work, and our clients’ best interests. While some clients initially work with us just for the rebate or discounted commission, they quickly realize the true value we bring to the table by the time their deal closes.

Does choosing a “discount broker” mean I’ll get lower-quality service?

Not with us. We pride ourselves on offering top-tier service without compromise, even at a lower commission rate.