Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I receive a Rebate on a pre-existing home, similar to a newly built home?

Buying a pre-existing home requires more work on the Realtor’s part (i.e. driving around, showing properties, negotiating the Buyer’s deal, etc.). Therefore, Rebates on pre-existing properties will be negotiated between the Buyer and Realtor on a case-by-case basis; nonetheless, the Realtor will still put the Rebate in writing prior to executing a purchase contract.

Q: How can you offer a 20%-40% buyers agent rebate? Why don't other agents do this?

A: The main way is that we will only show houses that you are already prepared to write a purchase agreement on. That means that you need to look on the internet and drive yourself to open houses. Doing that work on your own creates an efficient process that enables you to capture the majority of the buyers agent commission for yourself. Other agents don't offer this because they have a higher price structure than we do. They share a larger percentage of their commissions with their broker and/ or have higher overhead expenses.

Q: What do I say at open houses about my representation status?

A: Feel free to go to as many open houses as you want with no worries. If ever asked about your representation status, just say that you are already represented. If a realtor ever offers to show you other houses, say no thanks. If other realtors want you to sign anything, refuse that as well. Signing a representation agreement with another realtor will likely lock you into using them exclusively to buy a house and you will forego the 20-40% rebate offered by us.

Q: What happens if we want to see houses that do not have open houses?

A: If you want to get into a house that does not have an open house, we can schedule a viewing of several houses at once either in the evening on a week day or on a Saturday morning. The first time we do this it is free to you (you can see as many houses as you want in four hours... if they are all in the same area, that is usually eight to ten houses). Each subsequent trip of up to four hours, we will charge you $200 for each outing. These fees can be deducted from the buyers agent rebate that you get at closing. Let's say you are getting 20% rebate and let's say for example, if you buy a $250,000 house, the typical buyers agent fee is 2.7% * 250,000 or $6,750. $6,750 * 20% = $1,350. So if you used us for two outings (the first free, the second at $200) and then you close on a $250,000 house you will receive $1,350 - $200 = $1,150 cash back at closing.

Q: Can I just call the listing agent and have them show me the house?

A: Yes, but be sure to protect your interests. First off, make sure you are calling the listing agent that the seller has contracted with to sell the house, not a different agent offering to show you the house. You can find the listing agent on the sign in front of the house or online at Realtor.com. Also, be upfront about what you are doing. Do not let the listing agent think that they will get a hogger (dual representation). Tell them on your initial phone call that you are interested in possibly making an offer on the house and that you are already represented. When you meet the listing agent at the house, hand out our business card to them. This will help you protect your right to your rebate.

Q: Can I get a buyers agent rebate on a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) house?

A: No, usually not. The buyers agent rebate helps to squeeze commissions out of real estate agents pockets. In a FSBO transaction there is typically no real estate agent. If you want to use our services on a FSBO transaction, we will charge you a flat $1,500 fee that we will try to negotiate to have the seller pay at closing. Otherwise, go ahead and negotiate directly with the FSBO owner. Other buyers agents will take their full 2.7% commission even if you buy a FSBO.

Q: What should I say when they ask me who is repesenting me?

A: Link Real Estate Services, Ltd. Mike Abdullah Cell: 612-965-4008.