| Buy FAQ’s |
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Who pays us?
In most home sales, there is at least one realtor involved. The realtor selling the property is paid a commission of usually around 6% (there is no standard commission and it may vary) of the total sales price. If the homebuyer has their own realtor, the two agents split the commission, that 6%, usually 50/50, or 3% for each agent. When I-Agent receives their commission from the seller they rebate 2% to the buyer (you). |
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Are I-Agent.com Representatives Licensed Realtor’s?
Absolutely! All of our agents are licensed by I-Agent.com and are licensed in MD, DC, and VA. All of our agents are members of the National Associations of Realtors®. In fact, 90% of our agents are in the 20% of Realtor’s in the Nation! |
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What if I don’t have an Agent, would I save more?
When buying a new home…
When buying a new construction home, the builder sets the price. If you buy a new construction home and have an I-Agent representative pre-register you or if you have an I-Agent representative’s business card, the builder must pay your agent a commission - even though you pay the same price for the home! The law stipulates that a builder can only pay a commission to a licensed real estate agent. Without an agent present, you pay the same price as you would have if you had arrived with an I-Agent representative. However, without an I-Agent, you forfeit your opportunity to get a 2% rebate.
When buying a resale home…
The answer is no. When buying a resale home, the seller's agent is known as the "listing agent". The listing agent charges the seller a fixed fee, (often 6% - so we'll use 6% as an example here). The seller pays this 6% fee whether or not you, the buyer, have an agent representing you. This means that when you do NOT have an agent, the listing agent keeps the entire 6% commission. |
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What makes us Different?
Our agents focus on Customer Service rather then sales. Our Agents are paid a salary with bonus; the bonus is based on customer satisfaction. It’s estimated that most agents spend 75% of their time looking for their next client, which only leaves 25% for the current ones! Our agents only focus on the clients that they are dealing with 100% of the time! |
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How do I see homes?
Visit the “How to See Homes” section of the site to learn the different options to see homes. We by no means expect you to purchase a home that you have not seen. |
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What should I say to a Listing Agent when trying to see a home?
Contacting the listing agent of a home you want to see is common practice. It is the obligation of a Realtor to represent its client’s best interest, and showing a home to a potential buyer is indeed in their client’s best interest. You must present your online Business card to the listing agent to ensure your 2% commission. Below is a great way to introduce your self to a listing agent: |
"I’m calling to arrange a tour of a property you are selling. I have been pre-approved for said amount. Do you have time to show me the property?"
"I’m potentially interested in making an offer on this property; it matches all of my search criteria. I am using I-Agent.com as my real estate broker to represent me as a buyer and to prepare the paperwork, negotiate, and coordinate closing." |
| If you can’t get in give us a call and we will get you in. |
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Who can submit an offer on our Website?
All pre-approved buyers are eligible to work with our Realtors. We have worked with first time home buyers, out of state buyers, and even buyers from outside the Continental US! You should have access to a fax machine, internet, and email, whether it is at work or at home. However we have technology that allows faxes to be converted to PDF files, so email will be the number one way we communicate. |
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If I submit my offer to purchase a home, do I have to buy the home?
No, absolutely not. We take all offers very seriously. Remember when you fill out the “Start an Offer” form online it is just to get the process started. Your Realtor will verify all information and work with you to finalize the terms of the offer. If you do not get the terms you desire there are no obligations to buy the home. |
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If I submit an offer are we obligated to work with you?
No. If an offer appears to be far under the apparent market value we may ask you to justify your offer or modify it. |
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Do I have to Start an Offer online or Can I have my Agent Help me with an Offer?
The “Start an Offer” is just for your convenience. Please feel free to call us 24/7 if you would like to prepare an offer in person or over the phone. We are here to help you in any way we can. |
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Who Negotiates the Offer?
Our Agents are some of the most experienced Realtor’s in the business. Our Realtors will aggressively negotiate on your behalf; you will always be kept in the loop regarding the status of the offer. |
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What about Counter Offers?
We diligently prepare and present all counter offers as soon as we get them. You should actually expect a round or two of counter offers. |
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What are your Hours? Are you really open 24/7?
Absolutely! We have agents in our Field Offices Monday-Friday 9:00AM to 6:00PM. In the evenings and on the Weekends we have all calls forwarded to our Realtor’s cell phones! You will always get someone on the phone! Also, once you register for the site you will be assigned to a Realtor and you will have all of their personal contact information. |
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When do I receive the Rebate?
THE SAME DAY OR NEXT!
I-Agent will rebate 2% of the sales price at closing on the HUD-1; therefore reducing the amount of money you bring to closing. For example, if your closing costs are $15,000 including down payment, settlement fees, and taxes and you receive a $10,000 rebate than you only have to bring $5000 to the settlement table. If your closing cost are less than your rebate than you actually get a check for the difference at closing!
Some new homes will not allow a closing cost credit. In this case I-Agent.com will deliver your rebate check within 24 hours after you close if you use one of our Preferred Title Companies. Imagine getting a check for $10,000 after you buy your home! |
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Do I pay taxes on my Commission Refund?
We do not report the commission refund to the IRS. However, you should consult your accountant with further questions. |
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Do I have to pay more money for a home when I have a real estate agent represent me?
There is absolutely no charge for you to use an I-Agent representative. Our services are 100% free to you. It would in fact cost you money not to use an I-Agent representative because you would forfeit your opportunity for a 2% rebate.
For new homes it is illegal for the builder to pay the commission to the buyer and it is against most builders’ policy to negotiate the price due to the absence of a real estate agent. Below is an example of a builder policy regarding commission:
“It is Builders Policy not to negotiate any reduction in the selling price on any home to any buyer based on the fact there is no Broker/Agent participation.”
For existing homes the agent representing the seller, known as the listing agent, charges the seller a percent of the selling price as a listing fee. If a buyer buys the home with a real estate agent than the buyer agent usually receives half or 3% as commission. If the home is purchased with no buyer agent the listing agent keeps all of the commission. When you use an I-Agent representative you receive 2% of the sales price as a rebate!
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If I am currently working with an Agent not affiliated with I-Agent.com can I still receive the rebate?
Unfortunately if you are already working with another Real Estate agent you are not eligible for the 2% rebate. This service is not meant to solicit buyers already working with a buyer agent. |
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What if I want an I-Agent representative to accompany me to view prospective homes?
There is no difference when an I-Agent representative accompanies you to view new construction. In fact some builders require that your real estate representative accompanies you on your first visit, in this case an I-Agent representative will be more than happy to meet you at prospective new homes.
If you require an I-Agent representative to show you resale homes in the traditional way of driving you around to properties just let us know.
All showings are no cost to I-Agent.Com clients! |
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Note** In order to ensure your rebate you must make it clear that the representative from
I-agent.com is representing you in the real estate transaction! |
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