A Little About Me

15+ Years

Of Real Estate Experience

CNE

Certified Negotiation Expert

ABR

Accredited Buyer Representative

REDS

Real Estate Divorce Specialist

Bright office with a large wood desk, computer workstation, and framed horse and dog artwork.

My Recommended Lenders

The lenders provided here are offered as a courtesy to assist in your home buying process. You are under no obligation to work with any of these lenders and are encouraged to explore all options to find the best fit for your needs. These lenders have consistently delivered excellent service and strong results for us personally, as well as for many of our clients. *Elation Real Estate does not receive any compensation, or financial benefit from these recommendations.*
Hermon Barbe, smiling in a blue shirt and dark blazer.

Hermon Barbe

President's Club Banker | Rocket
Mortgage | NMLS #3030 | Self-Employment Specialist NMLS #20979
Office (313)373-1667
Mobile (269)352-5240

Man wearing glasses, a checked suit jacket, and patterned tie.

Eric Sit

Mortgage Broker | NMLS #364095
Abundance 99 | NMLS #346570
[email protected]
(408) 910-6168 

Smiling man in a dark suit and tie against a dark blue background.

Brian Bovbjerg

Residential Mortage / Area
Sales Manager | Fifth Third
Bank
NMLS #1564530
(407) 797-0414

Luis Carrera in a black tuxedo and bow tie with a white boutonniere.

Luis Carrera

Alameda Mortgage Corp. | Branch Manager
NMLS #284936
[email protected]
(510) 915-1642

Modern kitchen with a large marble island, four stools, and dark navy cabinetry.

Broker Compensation & Buyer Broker Agreement

What You Need to Know

Recent changes to the real estate industry came as a result of national class action lawsuits that challenged how agent commissions were structured and disclosed. The outcome created new rules designed to increase transparency and give buyers and sellers more control over how agents are compensated.

You Now Hire Your Agent First

Before touring homes, you’ll sign a Buyer Representation Agreement.
This outlines how your agent represents you, the scope of services provided, and how they are compensated.

While this has always been the case, the buyer agent compensation has now been decoupled from the seller. You and your agent will agree on compensation upfront, and it can be structured in a way that works best for you.

Buyers now, in most cases, request their agent's compensation as part of the purchase offer. Just like price and terms, this is fully negotiable.

In 95%+ of transactions in our market, the buyer agent compensation is still paid by the seller. 

Greater transparency in how agents are paid.

Clear expectations before you begin your home search.

We guide you through these changes every step of the way, ensuring you understand your options and structure your offer in the most strategic way possible.

Elation Real Estate
Elation Real Estate
Elation Real Estate
Elation Real Estate
Elation Real Estate
Elation Real Estate
Elation Real Estate
Nicholas Bruce
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Heather is a no-nonsense and caring realtor. We have worked with many realtors in the past in different states and Heather is one among the top. We are glad that we found her at the right time for the right house. What amazes us is she still keeps in touch even after the closing to make sure we are enjoying the new house.

— S.N.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

I am a hospital executive at a large community hospital. I have referred several newly recruited physicians to Heather, for assistance in finding homes in the mid to upper price ranges. Every one of these individuals has commented positively on Heather's knowledge of the market, enthusiasm, and expertise in negotiating the best deal for her client. In addition, she is very accommodating to the difficult ...

— B.K

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Heather was extremely thorough and knowledgeable. We really appreciated her insight and guidance through the home buying process. We look forward to using her again for future investments and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone. Thanks so much Heather!

— Lena Chan

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Heather Macfarland is truly an incredible real estate agent! She helped my boyfriend and I get our first house, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! She was incredibly professional, thoughtful and answered all of our questions and even answered ones we hadn’t thought to ask! Throughout the entire process, I truly felt taken care of. Heather really listened to each of my concerns, took them seriously, and to...

— McKenna Colantuoni

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Heather Macfarland is my go to source for info on up to date real estate market interests. She has helped me out immensely when it comes to renting or buying homes/apartments. She is easy going yet incredibly professional in all the right ways! When it comes to real estate Elation is the place to go, and make sure you ask for Heather.

— Nicholas Belvis

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Heather MacFarland has been incredible in advising me on strategies to grow and manage my investment property portfolio. Her guidance on smart updates has added significant value and helped ensure my properties maintain or increase in worth over time. Heather and the team at Elation Real Estate are professional, knowledgeable, and committed to supporting the community while maintaining the highest level...

— Bryan Rogoff

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

We had the pleasure of working with Elation Real Estate for our recent home purchase in Livermore, CA. Patty Recupero and Heather McFarland are one of a kind realtors. They brought different and unique approaches to helping us search for our perfect home. With our multi-generational family-- Grandma, teenage twins and a small farm of pets, these women were patient and resourceful as we searched. They hel...

— Monica Hamilton

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Heather is an exceptional real estate agent and property management professional. She worked with our team at Ukiyo Property Management, leading our leasing efforts and meeting with prospective rental owner clients across San Francisco, Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, and the greater East Bay. With Heather as our lead leasing agent, the entire process ran smoothly—from marketing and showings to application s...

— Nicholas Bruce

Heather MacFarland wearing a gray blazer and layered necklace.

Thank You for the Opportunity

I am excited to help you find your dream home! ~ Heather