How is this legal?+
Completely legal. CloseMint is a licensed real estate referral service. When we match you with a local agent who closes your transaction, that agent pays us a standard industry referral fee — the same way agents have referred clients to each other for decades. The only difference is that we share half of our fee back with you at closing. Federal law allows this, and 40 states permit consumer rebates outright.
Do I have to use the agent you match me with?+
No. We send you 1–3 vetted local agents who specialize in your area, and you choose the one you like best. You can interview them, compare their experience, and pick whoever feels right — there's no obligation to work with any of them.
When do I actually get my rebate?+
Your rebate is applied at closing as a credit on your settlement statement — the same document where you sign all the closing paperwork. That means it directly reduces what you owe at the closing table (for buyers) or what comes out of your proceeds (for sellers). The exact date depends on when your transaction closes, which is typically 30–60 days after going under contract.
Are there any fees or hidden costs?+
None. CloseMint is 100% free for buyers and sellers — no signup fees, no closing fees, no subscription. We're paid by your matched agent, not by you. You pay the exact same commission you would have paid without us, except now a portion of it comes back to you at closing.
Does my agent know about the rebate?+
Yes — every agent in our network has agreed to the referral arrangement up front. They benefit from receiving qualified, ready-to-transact leads, and you benefit from the cashback. It's a transparent partnership that's been working well for both sides.
Do I need to tell my lender about the rebate?+
Yes — always disclose it at pre-approval. The rebate appears on your Closing Disclosure (the document your lender reviews) as a credit from your agent. Some loan programs (FHA, VA, USDA, high-LTV conventional) cap total Interested Party Contributions, so loop in your loan officer early to avoid surprises at closing. Your matched agent will help you have that conversation. Full details in our
Terms § 6.
What if my seller is paying my closing costs?+
Your CloseMint rebate is paid by your agent and is separate from any seller concession you negotiate — it's in addition to those closing-cost credits, not instead of them. Make sure your lender knows about both. Some loan types (FHA, VA, USDA, high-LTV conventional) cap the combined buyer credits, so if you're at or near the cap from seller concessions, the rebate may need to be restructured. Confirm with your loan officer before signing the purchase agreement.
Is the rebate taxable?+
Generally no — IRS guidance treats buyer rebates from real estate agents as a reduction in your cost basis, not as taxable income. For sellers, the rebate is typically a reduction in commission paid. CloseMint isn't a tax advisor; consult a tax professional for your specific situation, especially if the property is for investment use.
What if my lender won't allow the rebate?+
Some lenders treat the rebate as an Interested Party Contribution subject to caps, and a small number won't allow it at all. If yours doesn't, your CloseMint match still happens — you just don't receive the cashback on that transaction. There's no fee or penalty to you. The simplest way to avoid this: confirm with your lender at pre-approval, before you sign a purchase agreement.
Which states does CloseMint serve?+
We match buyers and sellers with vetted agents in 40 states. Consumer rebates aren't legal in a small number of states (AL, AK, IA, KS, LA, MS, MO, OK, OR, TN), so if you're transacting in one of those, we can still connect you with a great local agent — there just won't be a closing rebate.
How is CloseMint different from a discount broker or Redfin?+
Discount brokers cut their own commission and pass some savings on to you — but you're locked into their agents, who often handle a heavy lead volume. CloseMint works with established, vetted local agents who give you full-service representation. You get the agent you'd hire anyway, plus a rebate you wouldn't otherwise receive.
Can I earn the rebate on both buying and selling?+
Absolutely. Many of our customers sell their current home and buy their next one through CloseMint — and earn the rebate on both transactions. If you're relocating, that can mean thousands back at each closing.
Is there a minimum home price?+
Our standard rebate program is for homes priced $200,000 and above. We can still match you with a qualified local agent for homes below that threshold — just reach out and we'll help you find the right person.
