Redfin phased out its Redfin Refund home buyer rebate program, which previously provided home buyers with a closing cost credit of around 0.2% of the purchase price. In early 2024, it introduced the Sign & Save program, which offers savings to buyers who commit to working with a Redfin agent early in their home search.[1]
With Sign & Save, buyers who sign an exclusive agreement with a Redfin agent before their second home tour qualify for a refund at closing. The standard rebate is 0.25% of the home’s purchase price—for example, a $500,000 home purchase would result in a $1,250 refund at closing.
For luxury homes purchased through Redfin Premier, the refund doubles to 0.5% of the purchase price, meaning a $2 million home purchase would yield a $10,000 refund!
However, other companies provide similar or better customer service and offer buyer rebates or cash back. Clever, for example, matches buyers with top agents from well-known brokerages like Century 21 and Keller Williams and offers eligible buyers $250 in cash back after closing—or $500 if you buy and sell. Find the best buyer’s agents in your area and get cash back when you buy!
Redfin buyer rebate: How it works
| Home price | Rebate amount ($) |
|---|---|
| $300,000 | $750 |
| $500,000 | $1,250 |
| $700,000 | $1,750 |
Redfin’s Sign & Save buyer rebate program offers homebuyers a rebate when they commit to using a Redfin agent early in their search. Buyers who sign an exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement with Redfin before their second home tour qualify for a 0.25% refund on the home’s purchase price at closing.
For example:
- A $500,000 home purchase would result in a $1,250 refund.
- Buyers purchasing a luxury home through Redfin Premier receive a 0.5% rebate, meaning a $2 million home purchase would yield a $10,000 refund.
- To be eligible, buyers must go under contract on a home within 180 days of signing the agreement.[2]
By committing early, buyers may strengthen their offers since a lower buyer’s agent commission can make their bid more appealing to sellers.
Redfin's buyer rebate: How it fits into NAR's new rules
Recent rule changes following the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit settlement now require buyers to sign an agency agreement with their agent before touring homes.[3]
This change, prompted by an antitrust lawsuit, aims to improve transparency and allow buyers to negotiate their agent’s commission more easily.
The buyer agency agreement outlines the agent’s services and fees, helping buyers understand what they’re paying for. Ultimately, Redfin’s Sign & Save program encourages early commitment by offering a rebate, which can help offset some of the commission costs buyers may now be responsible for.
Redfin vs. Clever: Which buyer rebate is better?
| Feature | Clever | Redfin |
|---|---|---|
| Rebate | $250 ($500 if buying and selling) | 0.25% of the home price |
| Eligibility | Available in 42 states | Available in 25 states + D.C. |
| Agent options | Matches buyers with local agents from various brokerages (Keller Williams, Century 21, RE/MAX, etc.) | Requires working with a Redfin agent only |
Here are the key differences between Redfin's rebate vs. Clever Real Estate's option.
1. Rebate structure. Clever offers a straightforward cash back rebate—$250 for buyers or $500 if you buy and sell with a Clever agent. Redfin’s rebate is a 0.25% discount on the buyer’s agent fee, which could be higher depending on your home price. However, it requires signing with a Redfin agent before your second tour.
2. Agent choice. With Clever, you can choose from top agents at major brokerages like Keller Williams, Century 21, and RE/MAX, giving you flexibility. Redfin, on the other hand, limits you to Redfin-employed agents.
3. Availability. Clever’s Cash Back program is available in 42 states, excluding the eight states where real estate rebates are legally prohibited (Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee). Redfin’s Sign & Save program is only available in 25 states + Washington, D.C. (see the table above for the full list of states).
Want more savings and agent choices? Clever’s rebate gives you flexibility, cash in hand, and the ability to work with top-rated agents from leading brokerages. Fill out this short quiz to get matched with agents today!
Other home buyer rebate options
Several national and regional companies offer home buyer rebates, helping you save on commission costs. But potential savings and availability vary widely by company. Below are some of the top options:
| Company | Max rebate | Details | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prevu | 1% | Best savings on homes above $1 million | 8 states |
| SimpleShowing | 1% | Minimum $5,000 commission required | 3 states |
| Trelora | 1.5% | Minimum 1% commission required for buyer's agent | 7 states |
| UpNest | None guaranteed | Some agents offer rebates | Nationwide |
Related reading
If you want to learn more about buying a home, here are some additional resources.
Here’s How to Get a Home Buyer Rebate (And Save Thousands): What is a home buyer rebate? And what are the top companies that offer rebates to buyers? Learn more and find the best company near you in this complete guide!
What Is a Buyer's Agent and What Do They Do for Home Buyers? A buyer's agent is a real estate agent who represents the buyer throughout the real estate process. Learn more about how to find and use a buyer's agent.
How to Find a Real Estate Agent: What You NEED to Know: It can be overwhelming to search for a real estate agent when there are so many options. Here's a guide to what you should focus on when searching for the right agent.