Related Real Estate Agent “Gifting” Their Commission to a Family Member. If you have a family member willing to donate their real estate commission to help you buy a home, it can be done. The key is understanding the program differences, as some will permit the commission to be used as a down payment, and other programs will only permit the gift of commission to be used toward closing costs. If this sounds like something you want to discuss, let’s talk! I’m here to help!