FAQ

Answers to some of your most important questions.

WHEN IS A DONATION MADE?

A Donation is ONLY made 1 of 2 ways and only when a home closes.

1.) You refer a new home buyer or seller to me and they hire me as their Realtor, I will have a check sent to the Charity/Organization/Fundraiser of your choice 100% in your name with your contact information (or anonymous if you choose) the day of closing. (You will need to register via the website to qualify for the donation)

2.) If YOU are the person selling or buying a home and hire me as your Realtor, I will have a check sent to the Charity/Organization of your choice 100% in your name with your contact information (or anonymous if you choose) the day of closing. (You will need to register via the website to qualify for the donation)

CAN I CHOOSE ANY ORGANIZATION/CAUSE THAT I WISH?

Absolutely! I HIGHLY recommend contacting the Organization/Cause/Fundraiser to obtain their information and to make 100% sure the donation is going to the Organization you choose.

ARE THE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

The Donations are "not" tax deductible since the Donation is "not" coming from income you earned. Please advise with your CPA for further information.

WHAT IF I DONT KNOW WHAT ORGANIZATION TO MAKE A DONATION TO?

I am happy to do some research on your behalf and put together a list of organizations that match what you're looking for. I highly recommend doing some of your own research as well to see what suits you best.

DOES MY REALTOR RECEIVE ANY TAX DEDUCTIONS, PROFITS, OR BENEFITS FROM THE DONATIONS MADE ON MY BEHALF?

No. Since the Donation check is being cut directly from closing, it will not come from my account and therefore, not be tax-deductible (I don't itemize). I do not receive any referrals/incentives from any Charitable Organizations/Causes.
My business (Real Estate) makes money off home sales ONLY! From there, I have the closing agent deduct a portion of the commission from the closing to a charity/organization on your behalf. What I do get from your referral, is the opportunity to help more people sell or buy a home with confidence and security, the ability to meet new people and help them to promote change with their referrals, and in all transparency, my business grows larger with a group of amazing people that help to make change possible everywhere and for everyone. It all comes back full circle!

WHEN WILL THE DONATION BE DELIVERED TO THE ORGANIZATION/CAUSE?

The Donation is delivered at the time of closing ONLY. The attorney or title company facilitating the closing will cut a check directly to the Organization/Cause on your behalf.

CAN I RECEIVE A CHECK MADE OUT TO ME PERSONALLY AT CLOSING AND THEN DONATE IT MYSELF OR USE IT HOW I PLEASE?

Unfortunately, we are unable to give unlicensed people any form of money as it puts our license at risk.

** If you are interested in making some extra $$$ by becoming a Referral Partner, contact me for details!

WILL I BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE DONATION IS MADE?

Absolutely! You will be kept up to date of the closing date. The title company/attorney will send a receipt showing the Donation check was made. You are more than welcome to follow up with the Organization you chose to see if the donation was received.

CAN I PREPARE A LETTER OR NOTE TO THE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION/CAUSE TO BE SENT WITH THE DONATION?

Absolutely! Please provide this about a week prior to closing so it can be sent to the closing agent and included in the Donation package.

HOW IS THE DONATION AMOUNT CALCULATED?

The Donation amount is tiered*. The amount of the donation will be based on the purchase price of the home, the commission received on my side whether I represent the client as a listing agent or buyers agent, and dependent on whether or not any "Realtor contributions are needed to get the deal closed on behalf of the client". Please see below for the Donation Tier Levels.

WHAT ARE THE TIER LEVELS FOR THE DONATION AMOUNT?

$1,000,000 + purchase price = 15% commission donated from 3% of the purchase price. 10% Commission donated from 2.5% of the purchase price. 10% commission donated from 2% of the purchase price. Any percentage lower than 2% received on my side, will result in no donation. (I still have to make money to keep my business running). *The standard commission received on either side is 3% of the purchase price and I do make an effort to get the commission up to the 3%. ** Any Realtor Contributions needed to get the deal closed on behalf of the client will be deducted from the Donation amount. This will be disclosed to you prior to the donation being sent, of course.
$500,000 - $999,999 purchase price = 10% commission donated from 3% of the purchase price. 8% of the commission donated from 2.5% of the purchase price. Any percentage lower than 2% received on my side, will result in no donation. The standard commission received on either side is 3% of the purchase price and I do make an effort to get the commission up to the 3%. **Any Realtor Contributions needed to get the deal closed on behalf of the client will be deducted from the Donation amount. This will be disclosed to you prior to the donation being sent, of course.
$200,000 - $499,999 purchase price = 10% commission donated from 3% of the purchase price. 8% commission donated from 2.5% of the purchase price. Any percentage lower than 2% received on my side, will result in no donation. The standard commission received on either side is 3% of the purchase price and I do make an effort to get the commission up to the 3%. **Any Realtor Contributions needed to get the deal closed on behalf of the client will be deducted from the Donation amount. This will be disclosed to you prior to the donation being sent, of course.

CAN I CONTACT YOU FOR UPDATES REGARDING THE PERSON I REFERRED STATUS ON THE SALE OR PURCHASE?

Absolutely! Contact me anytime..

Davida McDonald, P.A. Realtor®-
Creator of Close For A Cause
Greco Real Estate
1924 S Osprey Ave
Sarasota, FL 34239
C: (941) 312.1074 (text always works best)
E: davida@davidamcdonald.com
W: CloseForCause.com

FAQ: FAQ