You need to ask for the rebate before you start with any realtor. It is their option to work with someone that wants a rebate. This is not something that every agent is willing to do. Please do not assume that they owe you anything. I have been a very difficult buyer and have and will continue to work with the same realtor because of he amount of time he has spent with me. Before you work with realtor make sure what split he/she gets from their broker. If they are an independent then they get the full comission otherwise it’s split between the brokerage and the agent. The spilt with the brokerage can very, so you need to ask your realtor what their cut is and what they are willing to share with you. Getting it in writing is the best way to go. Also as a buyer you want the rebate written into the offer so you don’t have to pay taxes on the commission. Either have it go towards the closing cost or down payment or negoiate a lower purchase price. If you want a rebate try doing some of the legwork yourself. Get to know what you want before involving your agent. It’s easy enough to do drive-bys before bringing your agent along to get in.
