Limits choice of brokerage services
	Allows brokers to offer rebates to consumers

West Virginia law requires a real estate broker to “promptly deliver to his or her principal, every written offer received,” even if consumers do not want these services.

In response to a U.S. Department of Justice investigation, the West Virginia Real Estate Commission voted to repeal its administrative regulation that prohibited real estate brokers from paying rebates to customers. Starting in May 2006, real estate brokers in West Virginia became free to offer consumer rebates.

Because of the West Virginia Real Estate Commission’s action, consumers in that state may now benefit from increased price competition in the form of consumer rebates.

Learn more about:

• Brokerage discounts: Discount Brokers Can Make Selling a Home Less Costly
• Rebates: Rebates Make Buying a Home Less Expensive

Antitrust Division documents:

• Press release: West Virginia Real Estate Commission Permits Real Estate Brokers to Offer Rebates and Other Discounts (05/04/2006)

Related Internet site:

• West Virginia Real Estate Commission Amends CSR §174-1-11 to Permit Real Estate Brokers to Offer Rebates and Other Discounts
• West Virginia Code §30-40-26 requiring a real estate broker to “promptly deliver to his or her principal, every written offer received,” even if consumers do not want these services