Actually, I hate to put this out in a blog, but, it never hurts to be careful when you are buying a home. A recent article from the Wall Street Journal raises the question of what happens when real estate agents are given incentives to promote one property over another. While it is common for the buyer's agent to receive part of the commission, now the buyers agents are "being offered thousands of dollars or other rewards, such as travel vouchers, on top of the normal commission."
To me, the real question is not whether they should receive incentives, but whether they disclose them to you, the potential buyer. If an agent slants the properties you get to see based on his/her incentives, you may miss seeing the ones you really want.
My suggestion: ask the agent up front about his compensation. If you have doubts, find another agent. There are plenty of people out there who can be unbiased and open, even while receiving compensation for their efforts. Don't settle for less.
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