2026 State-by-State Guide

Best Buyer Rebate Programs in 2026

A buyer rebate returns part of the commission to you at closing. Here's how it works in every state where ShopProp operates โ€” and how to maximize your savings.

What Is a Buyer Rebate?

When you buy a home, the seller typically pays a buyer-agent commission (usually 2-3% of the sale price). Your buyer's agent receives this commission. A buyer rebate is when your agent returns a portion of that commission to you.

With ShopProp's flat fee buyer representation, you pay a flat fee (starting at $1,995) and receive the remainder of the buyer-agent commission as a rebate at closing. The higher the commission offered and the higher your home's price, the larger your rebate.

Example: On a $1,000,000 home with a 2.5% buyer-agent commission ($25,000), ShopProp's flat fee is $1,995. Your rebate: $23,005 credited at closing.

State-by-State Buyer Rebate Guide

Buyer rebates are legal in most U.S. states. Here's the status in every state where ShopProp is licensed:

๐Ÿ  California

Rebates allowed: Yes โ€” explicitly permitted under Business & Professions Code ยง10176

Key markets: San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento

Median home price: ~$850,000 (statewide)

Potential rebate on median home: Up to $19,255 (at 2.5% buyer commission)

Requirements: Must be disclosed to all parties including lender. Lender must approve. Cannot exceed closing costs for financed purchases.

โ†’ Full California Buyer Rebate Guide

๐Ÿ  Washington

Rebates allowed: Yes

Key markets: Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Spokane, Kirkland

Median home price: ~$620,000 (statewide)

Potential rebate on median home: Up to $13,505 (at 2.5% buyer commission)

โ†’ Full Washington Buyer Rebate Guide

๐Ÿ  Arizona

Rebates allowed: Yes

Key markets: Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler

Median home price: ~$440,000 (statewide)

Potential rebate on median home: Up to $9,005 (at 2.5% buyer commission)

โ†’ Full Arizona Buyer Rebate Guide

๐Ÿ  Texas

Rebates allowed: Yes โ€” with lender disclosure

Key markets: Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Fort Worth

Median home price: ~$350,000 (statewide)

Potential rebate on median home: Up to $6,755 (at 2.5% buyer commission)

โ†’ Full Texas Buyer Rebate Guide

๐Ÿ  Hawaii

Rebates allowed: Yes

Key markets: Honolulu, Maui, Kailua, Pearl City

Median home price: ~$750,000 (statewide)

Potential rebate on median home: Up to $16,755 (at 2.5% buyer commission)

โ†’ Full Hawaii Buyer Rebate Guide

๐Ÿ  Virginia

Rebates allowed: Yes

Key markets: Northern Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Arlington

Median home price: ~$400,000 (statewide)

Potential rebate on median home: Up to $8,005 (at 2.5% buyer commission)

โ†’ Full Virginia Buyer Rebate Guide

๐Ÿ  Colorado

Rebates allowed: Yes

Key markets: Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins

Median home price: ~$550,000 (statewide)

Potential rebate on median home: Up to $11,755 (at 2.5% buyer commission)

โ†’ Full Colorado Buyer Rebate Guide

๐Ÿ  Michigan

Rebates allowed: Yes

Key markets: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Traverse City

Median home price: ~$260,000 (statewide)

Potential rebate on median home: Up to $4,505 (at 2.5% buyer commission)

โ†’ Full Michigan Buyer Rebate Guide

See your exact buyer rebate based on your purchase price and state.

Calculate Your Rebate

How to Maximize Your Buyer Rebate

  1. Choose a flat fee buyer's agent. Percentage-based agents keep the full commission. Flat fee agents like ShopProp charge a fixed amount and rebate the rest.
  2. Get the rebate in writing before touring homes. Your Buyer-Broker Agreement should specify the exact flat fee and rebate structure.
  3. Inform your lender early. If financing, your lender must approve the rebate. Most conventional lenders allow it but require disclosure.
  4. Consider cash purchases. Cash buyers have zero lender restrictions โ€” the full rebate applies without limitation.
  5. Use it strategically. A rebate can offset closing costs, fund home improvements, or simply reduce your cash-to-close.

ShopProp vs Other Buyer Rebate Programs

Brokerage Model Fee on $750K Home Rebate on $750K Managing Broker
ShopProp Flat fee + full rebate $1,995 $16,755 Yes
Trelora / HomeRise 50% of buyer commission $9,375 (50% of $18,750) $9,375 No
Arrivva Flat fee + rebate $9,750 $9,000 No
CashBack RE Flat fee + full rebate $7,500 $11,250 No
Clever Cash back after closing Full commission $250โ€“$500 No
Redfin Partial refund Full commission Varies (often $0 in 2026) No
Traditional Agent No rebate Full 2.5% ($18,750) $0 Rarely

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a buyer rebate in real estate?

A buyer rebate is when your buyer's agent returns a portion of their commission to you at closing. It appears as a credit on your closing statement, reducing your cash-to-close or closing costs.

Which states allow buyer rebates?

Most U.S. states allow buyer rebates, including all 8 states where ShopProp operates: CA, WA, AZ, TX, VA, CO, HI, and MI. A small number of states restrict or prohibit them.

Are buyer rebates taxable?

Generally no. The IRS treats buyer rebates as a reduction in your home's purchase price, not taxable income. No 1099 is issued. Your cost basis is simply reduced by the rebate amount. Consult your tax advisor.

How much can I get as a buyer rebate?

With ShopProp's flat fee ($1,995), the remainder of the buyer-agent commission is rebated to you. On a $750K home with 2.5% buyer commission ($18,750), your rebate could be $16,755.

Calculate Your Buyer Rebate

Enter your purchase price and see exactly how much comes back to you at closing.

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ShopProp Realty — CA DRE #01890638 | Managing Broker: Robert Luecke CA DRE #01881220
Licensed in: AZ #O674161000 | CA #01890638 | CO #EC100108325 | HI #RB-22506 | MI #6505433466 | TX #756082-B | VA #0225239672 | WA #9004

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