FAQs


HOW IS THE CASH BONUS CALCULATED?

The Cash Bonus is subject to a $7,500 minimum retained by AyAMi, 2/3rds of the buyer’s broker commission collected, up to 2% of the purchase price, and never to be less than $0. In other words, the Cash Bonus is calculated as the lesser of:

         1) Two-thirds of the buyer’s broker commission collected and up to 2% of the purchase price, or

         2) The buyer’s broker commission collected less the $7,500 minimum retained by AyAMi.

If buyer’s broker commission is more than 3%, the Cash Bonus will be 2% and subject to the $7,500 minimum retained by AyAMi.

HOW AND WHEN IS THE CASH BONUS PAID?

The Cash Bonus is paid to the buyer by check or bank transfer after the closing. The buyer may elect to have the Cash Bonus applied as a credit on the closing statement instead if permissible by the sale and purchase contract, lender, Connecticut State law and federal law. If you would like your Cash Bonus to be used as a credit on the closing statement, you must let us know before we submit the offer.

IS THE CASH BONUS TAXABLE?

Per the attached document from IRS the Cash Bonus (“Cash Bonus”, “Commission Rebate”, “Buyer Rebate”, or “Rebate”) is an adjustment to the purchase price and not recognized as taxable income. AyAMi Group LLC is not a tax advisor or financial advisor and you should consult with your tax accountant to discuss and analyze your specific situation.

HOW IS AYAMI ABLE TO OFFER CASH BONUSES?

A real estate agent representing a home buyer is paid a commission by the listing agent (also known as seller’s agent). Such commission is typically 2.5% or 3% in the State of Connecticut. AyAMi Group simply shares that commission with its clients. Traditional brokerage keeps all of the commission to itself. For details on how the Cash Bonus is calculated, please refer to the “How is the Cash Bonus calculated?” question above and to our Cash Bonus calculator shown above as well. For additional details, check out our Terms & Conditions here.

COULD I REPRESENT MYSELF AS A BUYER AND POCKET IN THE ENTIRE COMMISSION?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. Listing agents or seller’s agents do not want to work directly with buyers as that means exposure to additional liabilities, certain dual agency disclosure issues, and potential issues with regulatory bodies. This is why buyers without a representation will be asked to find an agent or will be referred to another buyer’s agent. If such agents work for a traditional brokerage, they will typically not share their commission.

HOW CAN AYAMI AFFORD TO PROVIDE CASH BONUSES AND A SUITE OF FULL SERVICES?

AyAMi’s platform streamlines the marketing and lead generation process and allows its agents to focus on existing clients who are actively looking for new homes. AyAMi agents do not have to spend majority of their time on generating new business, prospecting, and marketing themselves. Arguably, they can provide even more client-oriented and tailored services in return. All this results in savings for AyAMi, which we pass on to our Clients in the form of Cash Bonuses.

HOW ELSE DOES AYAMI GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES IT OPERATES IN?

As a testament to our vision of giving back to the community, we are not only offering cash bonuses to our clients but we will also match any donations made with cash bonus proceeds to an approved non-profit organization of your choosing. We have a list of suggested organizations we can share with you and will be happy to consider new non-profits.

HOW DO I NEGOTIATE BUYER REBATES WHEN SEARCHING FOR A NEW HOME OR PROPERTY?

Securing a buyer rebate can pose difficulties when negotiating with brokers and agents who don't typically offer them, a scenario often found in traditional brokerages. Many of these brokers and agents will outright refuse to offer a rebate, and sometimes will shame prospective clients for even bringing up the topic. Therefore, if you seek a buyer commission rebate, the optimal choice is to collaborate with a brokerage that specializes in them, such as AyAMi Group. They provide exceptional service and a generous cash rebate (known as AyAMi's "Savvy Buyer Cash Bonus") at the closing.

HOW DO TRADITIONAL AGENTS FEEL ABOUT COMMISSION REBATES (AYAMI'S "SAVVY BUYER CASH BONUSES")?

Buyer rebates stir controversy and division in the real estate community. Conventional agents and brokerages perceive them as a threat, experiencing business loss to rebate-offering brokers and feeling their commissions being pressured. Conversely, agents providing commission rebates view them as a valuable means to attract more business while delivering improved deals to their client buyers. They often provide better service as they do not spend the majority of their time on prospecting new leads. It is easier for them to obtain new clients and they can commit more time to each client that way.