For the past few years, it’s been mostly a seller’s market. But things are shifting as the number of homes for sale grows. That means the market is balancing out a bit, and some sellers are finding they need to be more flexible to get a deal done.

One strategy that can help? Offering concessions.

“As home inventory begins to grow and buyers regain some advantage in the market, sellers may consider offering more in negotiations to make the deal more attractive and get to the closing table.”

What Are Seller Concessions?

Concessions are homebuying costs that a seller agrees to cover to help move a deal forward. According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly 1 in 4 sellers offered a concession in 2024.

Common types of concessions include:

• Covering Closing Costs: Paying for part or all of the buyer’s closing costs, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, or loan fees.
• Price Adjustments: Lowering the purchase price instead of making repairs.
• Offering a Home Warranty: Providing coverage for certain repairs during the buyer’s first year in the home.

And here’s the good news. These concessions typically come out of your proceeds at closing, not out of pocket upfront.

Not all concessions are financial either. Sometimes it’s as simple as leaving behind items like a lawn mower or appliances to make the deal more appealing.

How Concessions Help Sellers

Offering concessions can be a smart way to keep a deal moving forward, especially in a more balanced market.

“Pricing homes realistically and being willing to offer concessions will be key to closing deals in a less frenzied market.”

For example, after a home inspection, a buyer may request repairs. Instead of starting over with a new buyer, you could:

• Handle the repairs yourself
• Lower the price to reflect repair costs
• Offer to cover part of the buyer’s closing costs so they can handle the repairs

Each option helps you meet in the middle and keep the deal intact.

The key is having an experienced agent on your side. They’ll help you structure concessions strategically so you don’t give away more than necessary while still getting your home sold.

Bottom Line

As the market becomes more balanced, concessions are making a comeback. When used correctly, they can be a powerful tool to help you sell your home.

Let’s connect so you have a strategy in place that works in your favor and helps you get to the closing table with confidence.