In my years guiding families through the home buying and selling journey, I’ve witnessed how the negotiation landscape shifts with the market—and right now, those changes are significant. In the rolling three-month period ending mid-Q3, sellers offered concessions in roughly 45% of US home sales—that’s the highest mid-Q3 share we’ve seen since at least 2020. Just a year ago, that share was closer to 43%. This uptick means buyers are finding more leverage, especially with increased inventory and lighter competition.
Seller concessions can take many forms: help with repairs, contributions toward closing costs, or even mortgage-rate buydowns. These options open up new ways for buyers to manage their purchase costs beyond just hoping for a price reduction. I’m seeing more sellers compete by offering closing-cost credits and rate buydowns, not only adjusting their asking prices. This trend is reshaping negotiations and allowing for more flexible deal structures—something I always aim to secure for my clients. Notably, about 16% of homes sold in mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a concession, offering even more paths to ease the entry process for buyers.
As someone who understands both the emotional and financial weight of these decisions, I believe having access to flexible options is key to a positive experience—whether you’re buying, selling, or both.
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