Rhode Island Home Buyer Rebate: See How Much Cash You Get Back
Commission rebates to buyers are legal in Rhode Island. Most buyers can get about 2% of the home price back in cash at closing.
Look up your rebate
For example, $500,000
Rhode Island rebate policy
In Rhode Island, a buyer's agent may share part of their commission with the buyer they represent, and this is legal. Because the buyer's-agent commission is already built into the home's price, a rebate simply returns part of that money to you at closing.
Rhode Island regulation permits licensees to offer rebates or discounts, subject to truthful disclosure. 230-RICR-30-20-2
Frequently asked questions
Are home buyer rebates legal in Rhode Island?
Yes. Commission rebates to buyers are legal in Rhode Island. Most buyers can get about 2% of the price back in cash at closing.
How much is a buyer rebate in Rhode Island?
About 2% of the purchase price, paid to you in cash at closing. On Rhode Island's median-priced home (about $535,100) that is roughly $10,702.
How do I get a rebate when buying a house in Rhode Island?
Ask a buyer's agent, before you sign a representation agreement, whether they will rebate part of their commission. If they agree, get it in writing; it usually comes as a credit toward your closing costs or a check after closing.
Does a buyer rebate cost me anything?
No. The rebate comes out of the buyer's-agent commission, which the seller pays and which is already built into the home's price. A rebate simply returns part of that money to you, at no extra cost.
Is a buyer rebate taxable in Rhode Island?
Generally no. The IRS treats a buyer rebate as a reduction in the home's purchase price, not income, so you lower your cost basis by the rebate amount instead of paying tax on it (IRS Letter Ruling 157111-06). This is general information, not tax advice.
Official sources
Explore other states
See how Rhode Island's rebate ranks against every state →
See Rhode Island closing costs and how a rebate offsets them →
In Rhode Island, home buyers can typically get about 2% of the purchase price back as a commission rebate at closing, roughly $10,702 on Rhode Island's median-priced home (about $535,100). It is legal here, and it returns money that is already built into the price.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current rule with your state real estate agency (linked above) before you rely on it.
See rebates in all states