Dear Fellow Brokers/Agents:
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Thank you for inquiring about HomeGift Realty Inc.
Consumers – not to mention the U.S. Justice Department
- are demanding that buyers and sellers be given more choices
in the way they choose and use real estate agents. Using referral
fees to offer rebates and give back to the non-profit community
is the best way we know how to respond to those who think we
are unwilling to change.
A referral/rebate model does not
allow us to work with “discount
brokers” or offer our program to those who are buying or
selling without a professional full-service agent. In that sense,
we support the traditional brokerage business because we believe
that consumers are better served using professional agents.
But
we also believe that the “rebate model” is a legitimate
and reasonable way for all of us in the brokerage industry to respond
to those who say real estate agents are “trying to keep commissions
high.”
We also believe that giving back is an essential
element of any successful business. Real estate has been very good
to us and our families. That is why we have also decided that – in addition
to rebates – we want to give a substantial portion of our
income from referral fees to schools, churches, hospitals and other
non-profit organizations.
Many agents across the country have embraced
the HomeGift model. As we grow, we invite you to join us in “giving back” and
being part of a new breed of real estate professional.
Sincerely,
Mark Sennott
President/CEO
HomeGift Realty Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the benefits to becoming a HomeGift agent or Broker?
A.
The life blood of our business is getting listings and finding
ready, willing and able buyers. We are not a “lead generator.” When
we call you, we are calling you with a real listing or buyer.
By becoming part of the HomeGift Agent Database, you will
be eligible for opportunities that come from our relationship
with dozens of non-profit organizations around the country.
Q. Why should I pay
a referral fee to another “on-line” company?
A. We are not an on-line company. We are a full service real
estate company. The question really is, why do you pay referral
fees now? To get listings. Embrace the technology and it can
benefit you. Today, more than 70 percent of real estate transactions
involve the web in some way. We know you work hard. But you
need to focus on closing deals. One way to look at us is to
see us as your marketing arm, getting you inside the lead list
of millions of people who belong to non-profit organizations.
Q. How do I sign up to become a HomeGift
agent or broker?
A. If you are licensed and in good standing with
your state real estate licensing agency, then you are eligible
to participate, as long as you have the required experience
and background and meet our professional guidelines. When
we have a listing or buyer in your zip code area, we will
contact you.
If you are a licensed real estate agent or broker in any
of the 50 United States
and would like to become a HomeGift broker or agent—please
tell us how to contact
you
Q. Is there any cost to join?
A. No cost. We do, however, screen
our agents for experience, professionalism and proximity
to the subject property or buyer’s
desired location. Please don’t stretch your zip code
area.
Q.
Are rebates available in all states?
A. No. there are still 11 states
that prohibit rebates, although that is changing fast. After U.S.
Justice Department action in Kentucky this year that forced rebates
to be allowed to consumers, many states are now allowing this new
choice to consumers.
Q. What does HomeGift do in states where rebates
are prohibited?
A. HomeGift will give up to 70% of our income back to our
non-profit clients. There is no rebate to the
consumer. The payment to the non-profit comes out of our
income and not out of the referral fee, as part of an arrangement
we have with our non-profit clients.
Q. How
do we know when HomeGift has given a rebate or given back to a
non-profit organization?
A. We will send confirmations of the rebate
and the payment to the non-profit to you, the consumer and the
non-profit organization. We also disclose how much we have made
in the transaction.
Q. Do I get credit for the payment to the non-profit
organization?
A.
While the payment is not a charitable tax deduction
for anyone, we do track and monitor the amount of payments each
agent is responsible for getting to non-profit organizations. Our
top HomeGift Agents will get ready-made press releases submitted
to local media or for display in their office.
