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FAQs

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​How is BRN different from a traditional buyer's broker?

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  • Substantial Commission Rebates for Homebuyers: We stand out in the New York real estate market by offering a unique rebate model. Traditional real estate agents typically earn a commission of 2.5% to 3% on property sales. At BRN, we share our success by splitting our commission with you. This means significant savings for you, with a cash back rebate to you of 1.25% to 1.5% of your home's purchase price at closing. It's a straightforward, no-strings-attached deal that directly benefits your finances.

  • Empowering Buyers with Data Analytics: We leverage the power of technology and provide you with key market insights and  analytics. This empowers you, the buyer, with knowledge about real estate trends and property valuations, ensuring that you make an informed decision when purchasing your new home.

  • Dedicated Support in Your Home Buying Journey: Our licensed real estate professionals are committed to assisting you in every phase of the home buying process. From selecting the right listings and formulating strong offers to navigating complex negotiations and ensuring a smooth closing, our team is dedicated to making your home buying journey successful and stress-free.

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How does BRN's service compare to other brokers?

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  • Comprehensive Real Estate Services with a Client-Centric Approach: Like traditional real estate brokers, we offer a full range of services. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our clients. Our approach is transparent and data-driven, aimed at maximizing efficiency in the home buying process to save you money.

  • Exceptional Brokerage Fee Rebates: In a market where traditional brokers typically retain the entire brokerage fee, BRN distinguishes itself by sharing our commission with our clients. We offer a cash back rebate of 1.25% to 1.5% of the home's purchase price, ensuring that our clients enjoy substantial savings while benefiting from our full range of real estate services.

  • Personalized Assistance Tailored to Buyer Needs: Whether you're a seasoned buyer with specific preferences or a first-time buyer seeking comprehensive guidance, BRN  caters to your unique needs. We provide expert advice on all aspects of the buying process -- from location to budgeting and property types, we ensure a tailored home buying experience.

  • End-to-End Support in the Home Buying Journey: From finding the ideal home to pricing, making competitive offers, and closing the deal, our team at BRN is dedicated to supporting you at every stage. Our aim is to simplify and streamline the process, making your home purchase as smooth and successful as possible.

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What if I've already started working with another broker to buy a home?

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  • Your Current Broker: If you've begun the home buying process with another broker (like attending open houses, engaging in property valuation, or initiating negotiations), you should continue with them for that specific transaction.

  • Easy Transition Process: Interested in making a switch? Simply contact us. Our team will ensure a smooth transition and home buying experience -- and up to 1.5% cash back at closing.

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Do I have to work exclusively with BRN? 

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  • No Exclusive Commitment Required: At BRN, we believe in offering you a smarter, more efficient home buying process without binding you to exclusive agreements. Our confidence in our services is high, but we understand the importance of choice and flexibility in real estate transactions.

  • Freedom to Explore: If at any point you feel that BRN Partners may not be the perfect match for your real estate needs, you have the complete freedom to explore other options. Our goal is to ensure your satisfaction and comfort throughout your home buying journey.

  • Consistency in Ongoing Transactions: We do, however, request that for any property transaction already initiated with us, you continue partnering with BRN for that specific property to maintain consistency and efficiency. This policy mirrors the industry standard, which respects the initial engagement between a client and a broker for a specific property.

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How much does it cost to work with BRN?

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  • Zero Cost to Buyers: When you choose BRN for your real estate needs in New York, you incur absolutely no charges. We believe in offering exceptional real estate services without any direct cost to you as a buyer.

  • How We Earn: Our earnings come from the commission paid by the seller. In the New York real estate market, a buyer's broker typically earns a commission ranging from 2.5% to 3% of the property's purchase price.

  • Your Financial Benefit: Not only do you enjoy cost-free services when working with us, but we also enhance your buying experience by splitting our commission and rebating up to 1.5% of your home purchase price back to you. It's our way of adding value to your property purchase, making BRN the smartest choice for savvy buyers in New York.

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How are you able to offer so much cash back to buyers?

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  • Understanding the Commission Structure: In New York's dynamic real estate market, the seller typically pays both the buying and selling brokers a commission of between 2.5% and 3% of the property's sale price. For example, a broker selling a $1.5 million apartment could earn a commission ranging from $37,500 to $45,000.

  • Our Unique Cash Back Approach: Unlike conventional real estate brokers, we split our commission with you, putting your money back into your pockets. This translates to a substantial cash rebate of between 1.25% and 1.5% of your new home's purchase price, directly benefiting you as the buyer.

  • Lean and Efficient Operations: Our ability to offer such a generous rebate stems from our lean and efficient business model. Our team focuses on areas where our expertise is most impactful, such as property valuation, offer strategy development, and negotiation. We assist in finding listings and open houses, but we encourage clients to explore open houses independently. This approach aligns with our philosophy of empowering buyers and optimizing our resources to maximize your savings.

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Is BRN's cash back rebate too good to be true?

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​Absolutely not! Here's why:

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  • Innovative Real Estate Approach: At BRN, we've revolutionized the way real estate is bought in New York. Our operations are streamlined and technologically advanced, distinguishing us from traditional brokerages. By avoiding overhead costs like expensive offices and costly events, we direct our savings back to you, the client. This means we are able to split our brokerage commission with you, offering up to 1.5% of your new home's purchase price.

  • Understanding New York's Commission Structure: In the New York real estate market, buyers' brokers typically earn between 2.5% and 3% commission on the property's sale price. For instance, the sale of a $1.5 million apartment might generate a commission of $37,500 to $45,000 for the buyer's broker.

  • Transparency and Efficiency: Our commitment is to a simpler, more transparent, and efficient home buying experience. By choosing BRN, you're not just engaging in a standard transaction -- you're embracing a smarter way to buy real estate. We're confident that our approach will not only meet your expectations but also put significant cash back in your pocket.

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Do I Need a Broker to Buy a Home and Can I Save the Commission if I Don't Use One?

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  • Brokerage Commission Structure: When a property is put on the market, the seller signs a listing agreement which typically includes a brokerage commission, usually around 5% or 6% of the property’s sale price. This commission is typically divided between the buyer’s and seller’s brokers.

  • The Buyer's Broker Commission: Many potential homebuyers wonder, "Can I buy a home without a broker and keep the commission for myself?" The answer is no. The commission arrangement in the listing agreement obliges the seller to pay the commission to participating brokers. If you are not a licensed broker, you are not entitled to this commission.

  • Missing Out on Commission Rebates: Buying a property without a broker means you forfeit the chance to benefit from any commission rebate. In cases where the buyer does not have a broker, the full commission is typically awarded to the seller's broker. That means that if you're a buyer without a broker, not only do you miss expert guidance but also lose the opportunity to save significantly through commission rebates.

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When will I receive my rebate?

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  • Your real estate rebate from BRN is given to you at closing: As soon as you finalize your home purchase, we issue a check right at the closing table. It's quick, straightforward, and adds immediate value to your home buying experience.

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Is the rebate taxable?

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  • No, according to the IRS: Our commission rebates are not considered taxable income. They are viewed as adjustments to your home's purchase price. The IRS specifies that payments or credits from real estate transactions at closing are price adjustments, not income.

  • However, individual tax situations can vary. We recommend consulting with your tax advisor for personalized advice to ensure that your specific circumstances are taken into account.

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How do I get started?

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  • Ready to begin? Reach out to us! We're happy to answer your questions and guide you through the home buying process from start to finish.

  • Whether you're just starting your property search or have a specific home in mind, we're here to assist. For those starting out, we offer support in searching for properties and preparing necessary materials for future offers. If you've already set your sights on a property, our team is ready to conduct a thorough analysis, provide valuation insights, and assist with offer strategies.

  • Our commitment is to ensure you find the best home at the best price, with our expertise guiding you at every step.

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