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How do rebates work? Some real estate brokers offer consumers cash refunds or non-cash incentives to encourage them to use that broker How do rebates benefit consumers? Rebates can save consumers several thousand dollars in a single transaction. For example, if a broker offers to refund one-third of its commission to the homebuyer, the average buyer of a $300,000 home could save $2,500 to $3,000 (based on the 2.5% to 3% commission rates typically earned by the buyer s broker).Incentives, such as gift certificates for a home inspection, merchandise at a nearby hardware store, or moving services, give consumers monetary benefits from the transaction that they otherwise would not have obtained. Offering rebates and incentives is one way that real estate brokers can compete for consumers’ business, leading to lower prices to consumers. Do refunds and incentives pose any risk to consumers? Some have argued that refunds and incentives can tempt consumers into closing on real estate transactions against their best interests. The Antitrust Division has found no evidence that refunds and incentives harm consumers. On the contrary, they can dramatically lower the price that consumers pay for brokerage services. Do real estate brokers support rebate bans? Some brokers support rebate bans as a means of reducing price competition. For example, when the Kentucky Real Estate Commission surveyed brokers about lifting that state’s rebate ban, here is what some of them said:
Which states currently ban rebates and/or inducements? Ten states currently ban rebates and/or inducements: In addition, Iowa prohibits rebates when the consumers use the services of two or more real estate brokers during a transaction. Policies and Disclaimers Privacy Accessibility Department of Justice USA.gov
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