Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who will be the actual agent for my listing?

Every Texas Discount Realty listing is assigned to an experienced, licensed agent we've personally vetted for professionalism and local market expertise. Because these agents operate under their own affiliated brokerages, the name on your MLS listing and yard sign will reflect that brokerage rather than "Texas Discount Realty." Many of our network agents are affiliated with the brokerage founded by Aaron Farmer, who also continues to work directly with clients in the Austin market. 

Can I OFFER less than 3% to a Buyer's Agent?

Yes — buyer-agent compensation is fully negotiable and is not set by law. Following the 2024 NAR settlement and Texas SB 1968, commission offers are no longer published in the MLS. Instead, buyers now sign a written Buyer Representation Agreement directly with their agent that specifies the fee their agent will earn, and that fee is negotiated between the buyer and seller (often as a seller concession) at the offer stage.

You can choose whatever amount you're willing to contribute toward a buyer's agent fee — including zero. That said, what you're willing to offer can affect how attractive your listing looks to buyers whose agents are paid in part by the seller. We'll talk through the trade-offs and help you set an amount that fits your goals.

Texas Discount Realty also offers an unusual incentive: if you sell to a buyer who is not represented by an agent, you don't owe any buyer-side commission at all. 

How long is my listing agreement?

Typically six months, though the term is flexible and negotiable. Either party may cancel at any time as long as the property is not under contract for purchase. Upfront fees are non-refundable unless the broker cancels the agreement.

How long has Texas Discount Realty been in business?

Texas Discount Realty was founded in Austin, Texas in the summer of 2000 and expanded into most major Texas markets by 2001 — giving us more than 25 years of experience helping Texas sellers save on commissions.

Will my listing be negatively perceived if I list with Texas Discount Realty? Will Realtors show my home?

No. Texas Discount Realty has listed and sold thousands of Texas homes since 2000, and we've worked with buyer-agents from virtually every real estate company in the markets we serve.

The reality of how homes get shown today also works in your favor. The vast majority of buyers find homes online first and then tell their agent which homes they want to tour — meaning the listing brokerage rarely factors into a buyer's decision. And under the 2024 commission rule changes, buyer-agent compensation is no longer published in the MLS at all; it's negotiated separately between buyers and their own agents. So the old concern about agents "steering around" discount listings simply doesn't apply the way it used to.

Finally, most of our agents list under their own affiliated brokerage rather than the "Texas Discount Realty" name. Your listing will look like any other professional listing on the MLS. 

Someone told me it is illegal to receive a rebate?

No — rebates are fully legal in Texas and have been for many years.

Under TREC Rule 535.147(d), a licensed real estate agent or broker may rebate part or all of their commission to a party in the transaction. The only requirement is that if the rebate goes to a party the licensee does not represent, the licensee must first get consent from the party they do represent.

The U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has consistently supported broker rebates, noting that they lower costs for consumers and promote healthy competition. More information is available on the DOJ's Competition and Real Estate page.

 

If I use Texas Discount Realty as my buyer's agent, how do I receive my rebate?

Texas Discount Realty offers several ways to issue your rebate. The amount is based on the compensation specified in your Buyer Representation Agreement, and you can choose from the following options:

  • Check after closing. The most common method — we write you a check once the property has closed and funded.

  • Sales-price reduction. We negotiate a lower purchase price with the seller in the amount of the rebate.

  • Closing-cost credit. We provide a credit on the settlement statement to offset your closing costs, subject to your lender's approval

    If you'd prefer the sales-price reduction or closing-cost credit options, please let us know before the contract is executed so we can structure it correctly.

    Per IRS guidance, commission rebates are generally treated as a reduction in your home's purchase price rather than taxable income, but you should consult your tax advisor for guidance on your specific situation.

Where can I find more about Texas Discount Realty and Aaron Farmer on the web?

What follows is a selected directory of independent coverage and official records featuring Texas Discount Realty and Aaron Farmer. Because our work spans more than two decades, this list is not exhaustive — particularly for older print articles that are now archived behind paywalls.

Government & Official Records

National Media Coverage

Austin TV & Local Broadcast

Austin Print & Online Media

Industry Publications

Additional Coverage (Archived)

Aaron and Texas Discount Realty have also been featured over the years in The Wall Street Journal, Dallas Morning News, Austin American-Statesman, San Antonio Express-News, and Inman News (named one of the "Most Influential Real Estate Brokers"). Many of these archives are now behind paywalls or no longer indexed online.

 

For any additional questions, contact us. 

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