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Articles tagged “real estate

5 articles found

Cost Guide16 min read

Buyer Agent Rebates: How to Get Part of the Commission Back

Buyer agent rebates return a portion of the agent's commission to you at closing — typically $2,000 to $8,000. Here is how rebates work, which states allow them, and how to negotiate one in 2026.

SIE Data Research·
Cost Guide17 min read

Closing Costs Explained: The $15,000 Bill Nobody Warns You About

The average homebuyer pays $12,000 to $18,000 in closing costs on top of the down payment. Here is every fee on the closing disclosure, who pays it, which ones are negotiable, and how to reduce the total.

SIE Data Research·
Cost Guide18 min read

How to Negotiate Real Estate Agent Commission in 2026 (Post-NAR Settlement)

The NAR settlement changed commission rules forever. Here is how to negotiate buyer and seller agent commissions in 2026 — what you can ask for, what agents will accept, and how to save $5,000 to $15,000.

SIE Data Research·
Cost Guide17 min read

Flat Fee vs Percentage Commission: Which Saves You More When Selling a Home?

A 3% listing commission on a $400,000 home is $12,000. A flat-fee listing is $3,000 to $5,000. The math seems obvious — but it is not. Here is the honest comparison with real numbers and scenarios.

SIE Data Research·
Guides9 min read

First-Time Home Buyer? The Complete Process in 12 Steps

A step-by-step guide to buying your first home, with realistic cost estimates, timelines, and advice for every stage of the process.

SIE Data Research·