Q. What is WGBH Realty Perks?

A. WGBH Realty Perks allows all home buyers or sellers to get cash back using any real estate agent — while supporting WGBH at the same time.

Q. How does WGBH Realty Perks work?

A. By registering with the program before you agree to hire an agent, you are eligible to receive cash back from real estate commissions after closing, with a matching payment made to WGBH. After closing, you get a rebate check and the matching payment is sent to WGBH.

Q. Does this mean WGBH is getting in the real estate business?

A. No. WGBH has partnered with a national real estate company, HomeGift Realty, which helps non-profit organizations around the country to raise funds any time a supporter or member buys or sells a home.

Q. When did real estate companies start offering cash back on commissions?

A. For years, big-brand, established real estate companies like Coldwell Banker and Prudential have been offering cash rebates to members of trade associations, corporate executives and other affinity groups. Now, Homegift offers these same cash back incentives to members of non-profit organizations as a way of encouraging charitable giving. More about HomeGift Realty, Inc.

Q. Who are the agents WGBH Realty Perks works with?

A. Realty Perks has worked with agents representing all of the top firms — Coldwell Banker, Century 21, REMAX, as well as many large and small independent companies. That means we have access to hundreds of thousands of seasoned agents.

Q. Why do agents agree to this?

A. Agents want to be part of a program that not only benefits you and WGBH, but also allows them to get more business. More and more agents are giving up a portion of their commissions in exchange for being introduced through real estate programs like this to millions of other potential buyers and sellers. Agents view this practice as a “marketing cost” to reach more clients.

Q. Does the program change the way I work with an agent?

A. No. Nothing changes in the way you ordinarily work with an agent. The only thing you have to do is register before you commit to an agent. This allows us to arrange the rebate with the agent you choose.

Q. As a seller, can I still negotiate commissions myself?

A. You can. As always, you still negotiate the best commission rate you can with your agent. Your rebate comes as an additional savings over and above what you negotiate — a rebate made possible because you are registered with this program.

Q. What do I have to do to get my cash rebate?

A. Nothing. There is no paperwork to fill out or forms to send in. Your rebate is sent to you in the form of a check automatically after closing.

Q. How does WGBH get the donation?

A. The matching payment is sent automatically to WGBH after closing. WGBH will then send you a written record of the matching payment.

Q. What if I want to find or enroll my own agent?

A. You can. Search online. Ask friends about good agents. But don’t begin serious discussions with or commit to any agent without telling them first that you are registered with this program. Even if you know who you want to use, register here first so we can speak to the agent and arrange your rebate before you commit. You cannot participate if you have already committed to your agent.

Q. What if I need to find an agent?

A. We will find a top agent for you in your market. Based on your needs, we will set up interviews with several top agents for you. We screen every agent before recommending them to you. Because everyone’s needs, market conditions and preferences are different, different agents work better for different people. That’s why we let you make the choice.

Q. How do you know what agent is best for me?

A. We have found that personally talking with sellers first works best. When you register, a WGBH Realty Perks real estate coordinator will contact you within 24 hours. You tell us a little bit about your situation and your agent needs and we will do the hard work of helping to match you with the right agent.

Q. Does this mean I am going to get bugged by agents?

A. No way. No agents will contact you without your approval. You decide when to contact agents. This allows you to be prepared to make the move to hire an agent when you are ready – without getting hassled.

Q. What if I am buying and selling?

A. You can receive a double rebate — and WGBH gets a double payment - by registering on the buy and sell side of your next transaction.

Q. Is the payment to WGBH eligible for a tax deduction?

A. No. The payment made to WGBH comes from HomeGift and is not deductible.

Q. Does this program work in every state?

A. WGBH Realty Perks is available in most states, including California. There are 10 states that prohibit rebates. Also, you cannot combine this program with any other program that offers rebates on real estate commissions.