Frequently asked questions (Buyers)

Not at all. I am a full-time, full service real estate agent, and you can expect to receive the same level of service as you would from any of the large national brokerages, with the exception that I will not pick you up and drive you to the homes you want to view. You will need to arrange you own transportation and meet me there at the scheduled time unless we have a number of properties to visit, in which case we will travel together in my vehicle after meeting at a convienient location.

The sales commission paid by the seller to sell their home compensates both the listing brokerage (listing agent) and the cooperating brokerage (buyer agent). Therefore in the vast majority of cases, home buyers will never be asked to compensate their buyer agent, but it is possible compensation will be requested if the seller is offering limited or no compensation to the cooperating brokerage and their buyer agents.

The cash back rebate* you will receive is based on three factors.

1. The final purchase price of the property (Less HST if applicable).

2. The commission, or dollar amount offered by the seller to the cooperating brokerage (Buyer agent) for bringing the buyer to the deal.

3. The number of properties we visited and viewed together (Home showings) before you purchased a home.

So the formula is: Purchase price X Sales commission (%) X Rebate percentage (%)

Click here to view some examples

Yes there are a few. Following is the complete list of conditions, limitations and requirements to qualify for a cash back rebate...

1. Buyer must enter an Exclusive Buyer Representation Agreement and purchase a home offering a minimum 1.50% commission (Or dollar value equivalent) to HomeLife Classic Realty Inc, Brokerage.

2. Buyer must sign a declaration confirming they were not introduced to the property of interest by another Brokerage (Or real estate agent) prior to making an offer.

3. If any valid claims are received from another brokerage in regard to who initially introduced the buyer to the property. The buyer agrees to refund the rebate within 3 business days.

4. The Rebate amount is determined by a sliding scale from 20% to 50% based on the number of showings prior to purchasing a home.

5. The Rebate is calculated on property purchase price NET of HST (if applicable) times (x) commission percentage (%) offered by seller or builder times (x) commission rebate percentage (%).

6. The Rebate is only paid to the name(s) registered on the agreement of purchase and sale.

7. Rebates are not offered on pre-construction VIP condo sales or properties personally listed for sale by Robert Kirkwood, or on properties where a referral fee is being paid to another brokerage.

8. Rebates are not valid with any other offers or promotions.

Rebates are not available from all registrants of HomeLife Classic Realty Inc., Brokerage. The commission rebate is guaranteed and paid personally by Robert Kirkwood not HomeLife Classic Realty Inc., Brokerage. Rebate is to be paid to buyer within 20 days of closing.

Yes. I cannot issue a cash back rebate without one.

Buyers Representation Agreements benefit home buyers in numerous ways. This short video produced by the Toronto Real Estate Board describes them in detail. You can also view a copy of a Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA), which contains easy to understand explanations of the various provisions listed within the agreement by clicking here.

If you have any questions or concerns? Don't hesitate to contact me by text, email or phone.

Absolutely. You will be able to book as many home showings as necessary until we find the home that is right for you.

There are a number of steps you can take before deciding to place a property on your "must see" list and booking a home showing. l will be providing you with a step by step guide on how to choose the right homes to visit so you can maximize the amount of cash back* you will receive.

It certainly can if you don't inform other real estate agents that you're presently working with me as your agent, and it is the reason why I must insist on having an Exclusive Buyer Representation Agreement in place before we start the home search process. Click here for more details on the steps to follow to ensure you will be eligible for a cash back rebate*.

They certainly are. The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA 2002) allows real estate agents to rebate* commissions to anyone that is a party to a trade in real estate. As the buyer of the property, you are a party to the real estate transaction and qualify for the commission rebate.

The rebate* check will be mailed or personally delivered within 30 days of closing.

As long as the builder is offering a 1.5% or better commission to the cooperating brokerage (Buyer agent) then you will receive a cash back rebate*. But to qualify for the rebate. I will need to accompany you to their sales center on your first visit to register as your agent. Click here for more details.

No. Only one rebate* is offered, and the rebate will be paid to the name(s) registered on the agreement of purchase and sale.

Absolutely! And it will add to the significant savings you will have already realized on the cost to sell your home due to my low listing fees2

If you're presently under contract with a real estate brokerage then you need to respect your agreement. If you're not under contract. You have the right to work with any agent of your choosing, but if the real estate agent you're working with has already physically showed you the home you want to buy. You should continue working with them so they'll earn the commission they rightly deserve.

No the rebate* is only paid after closing so it can't be used as a down payment, but once you receive the rebate. You can use the funds for whatever purpose you choose, such as mortgage prepayments, all new stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, having a fireplace installed, or maybe a room full of new furniture.

I certainly can. I can refer you to very experienced mortgage brokers, who have access to over 50 different lenders (Banks, Credit Unions, Trust Companies) who will secure the mortgage that best meets your needs. You will have access to interest rates the banks don't want you to know are available saving you thousands of dollars. Credit can be made available in a variety of situations including...

  • 100% financing
  • Bruised credit
  • New to Canada
  • Self-employed
  • Basement rental income
  • Cottage properties and 2nd mortgages.

Conditions and Limitations on the Cash Back Rebate* Program can be found at the bottom of this page.

Have a question that was not addressed in our FAQ's? Contact me


Sales Commission Cash Back Rebate (Conditions and Limitations)
* Rebates are not available by all registrants of HomeLife Classic Realty Inc., Brokerage. Rebate guaranteed and paid personally by Robert Kirkwood and not HomeLife Classic Realty Inc., Brokerage. Rebate to be paid to buyer within 30 days of closing and requires buyer to enter into an exclusive Buyer Representation Agreement and purchase a home offering a minimum of 1.5% commission or dollar value equivalent to HomeLife Classic Realty Inc., Brokerage. The commission rebate percentage (%) is determined by a sliding scale from 20% to 50% based on the number of showings prior to purchasing a home. The Rebate is calculated on property purchase price NET of HST (if applicable) times (x) commission percentage (%) offered by seller or builder times (x) commission rebate percentage (%). Rebate is only paid to the name(s) registered on the agreement of purchase and sale. Rebates are not offered on pre-construction VIP condo sales or properties personally listed for sale by Robert Kirkwood, or on properties where a referral fee is being paid to another brokerage. Rebates are not valid with any other offers or promotions.

Listing Fee's (Conditions and Limitations)
1Advertised Rates are not available by all registrants of HomeLife Classic Realty Inc., Brokerage. 2Compared with hypothetical 2.5% listing fee commission rate. HST is applicable on all commission fees.

Not intended to solicit parties already under contract with a brokerage.