Smart mobility strategies that save money and reduce tax headaches.
If your company offers relocation benefits to employees who own a home, you’ve likely faced a big question: Should we reimburse home sale costs directly—or use a structured program like the Buyer Value Option (BVO)?
Spoiler alert: BVO wins every time.
It’s not only more cost-effective for the company, but also a much smoother experience for the employee. Here’s why.
🏡 What Is a BVO?
A Buyer Value Option (BVO) is a home sale program in which a third-party relocation management company (RMC), like MoveCenter, facilitates the sale of an employee’s home by purchasing it after a buyer is found. The key advantage? It’s designed to comply with IRS guidelines to avoid taxable income for the employee.
Compare that to direct reimbursement, where the company simply pays the employee money for their home sale costs—triggering taxable income.
💰 Why BVO Costs Less Than Reimbursement
Here’s where the cost savings come in:
✅ No Gross-Up Required
Reimbursing an employee for home sale costs creates taxable income, and most companies “gross up” to cover the employee’s tax burden. This can add 40–60% more to your relocation spend.
A properly structured BVO? Not taxable. That means no gross-up, and big savings for the company.
✅ Lower Administrative Costs
With a BVO, MoveCenter manages the entire process, from the employee offer to final closing. No more juggling receipts, surprise tax bills, or processing delays. That means less work for HR and payroll.
✅ Predictable, Managed Process
Reimbursement can vary wildly depending on the employee’s agent, negotiation skill, or market timing. BVO creates consistency and cost control—and fewer surprises.
🧘 Why It’s Better for the Employee
Relocating employees are already under stress. A BVO offers a more streamlined, worry-free home sale experience:
- No out-of-pocket expenses for agent commissions, closing costs, or legal fees
- No surprise tax hit
- A single point of contact to guide the process
- Faster, more predictable closings
When employees feel supported, they arrive at their new destination ready to succeed.
🤝 Why Companies Choose MoveCenter
At MoveCenter, we’ve been delivering BVO home sale programs since the structure first gained traction. We know how to comply with IRS guidelines and make the process smooth, efficient, and cost-effective for everyone involved.
Why HR teams trust us:
- Founded in 1963
- 100% client retention since 1993
- WBENC-certified woman-owned business
- Significantly lower real estate days on market than the industry average
- Multiple bids for every service to ensure cost savings
📞 Contact MoveCenter Today
Still using direct reimbursement? Let us show you a better way. A BVO program with MoveCenter helps your company save money, reduce tax risk, and deliver a better employee experience.
Contact us today to learn how to switch—and start saving on every home sale.
