Understanding Buyer Rebates: Get Cash Back When You Buy a Home

What is a buyer rebate?

A buyer rebate is when your real estate agent shares a portion of their commission with you at closing. It's legal in most states and can mean thousands of dollars back in your pocket.

How ShopProp's buyer rebate works

ShopProp charges buyers a flat $4,495 fee. If the seller offers a buyer agent commission (say 2.5% on a $800K home = $20,000), ShopProp keeps $4,495 and rebates the remaining $15,505 back to you at closing.

Are buyer rebates legal?

Yes. Buyer rebates are legal in most US states. The US Department of Justice has actively supported rebates as pro-consumer and pro-competition. Some states have specific regulations, so check your local laws.

How much can you get back?

On a $500K home with 2.5% buyer commission: $8,005 back. On a $1M home: $20,505 back. On a $2M home: $45,505 back. The higher the home price, the bigger your rebate.

What can you use the rebate for?

Buyer rebates can be applied toward closing costs, used as additional down payment, or received as cash at closing (depending on lender and state regulations). It's your money.

Why most agents don't offer rebates

Traditional agents keep the full commission because they can. The industry has operated on 2.5-3% buyer commissions for decades. ShopProp's flat-fee model is designed to pass the savings to you.

Buyer Rebate Comparison: ShopProp vs. Other Flat-Fee Brokerages (2026)

Not all rebate models are equal. Some brokerages advertise "up to 50% commission rebate" — but 50% of the commission is very different from returning all commission minus a flat fee.

On a $1M home with 2.5% buyer agent commission ($25,000):

• Traditional agent: Keeps full $25,000 — you get $0 back

• Trelora/HomeRise (50% rebate): Keeps $12,500 — you get $12,500 back

• TurboHome (1% back): Keeps $15,000 — you get $10,000 back

• Clever Real Estate: Keeps $24,500+ — you get $250-$500 back

• ShopProp (flat $4,495): Keeps $4,495 — you get $20,505 back

ShopProp's model is simple: we charge a flat fee and return the rest. No percentages, no caps, no fine print. The higher the home price, the more you keep — because our fee stays the same whether you're buying a $500K condo or a $5M estate.

And unlike referral-based services, ShopProp has a managing broker personally involved in every transaction — not just a name on a website. 19 years, 4,000+ transactions, 8 states.