Seller Concessions: A Smart Strategy To Get Your House Sold Faster

Why Seller Concessions Matter in Today’s Market

For the past few years, sellers had the upper hand in real estate. Homes were flying off the market, often with multiple offers above the asking price. But times are changing. As inventory increases and buyers gain more negotiating power, sellers need new strategies to stand out. One of the best ways to attract buyers? Offering seller concessions.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly 1 in 4 sellers (24%) offered concessions in 2024. That number is expected to grow as more homes hit the market.

What Are Seller Concessions?

Seller concessions are incentives offered to buyers to help ease their financial burden and make a deal more appealing. These concessions can cover a variety of costs, making it easier for buyers to say "yes" to your home.

Common Types of Seller Concessions

1️⃣ Covering Closing Costs

• Sellers can offer to pay part (or all) of the buyer’s closing costs, including appraisal fees, title insurance, and loan origination fees.

2️⃣ Price Adjustments Instead of Repairs

• Rather than making repairs after an inspection, a seller may lower the purchase price so the buyer can handle the updates.

3️⃣ Offering a Home Warranty

• A home warranty covers major home systems (like HVAC, plumbing, or appliances) for the first year, giving buyers extra peace of mind.

4️⃣ Rate Buydowns

• A seller can help lower the buyer’s mortgage rate for the first few years by covering some of the upfront costs of a rate buydown.

5️⃣ Extra Perks

• Buyers may request things like furniture, appliances, or even landscaping equipment to be included in the sale.

Why Seller Concessions Work

Offering concessions can make your home more competitive and help it sell faster. As Dennis Shirshikov, Professor of Finance and Economics at City University of New York, explains:

“Pricing homes realistically and being willing to offer concessions, such as covering a portion of closing costs or including upgrades, will be key to closing deals in a less frenzied market.”

If a buyer hesitates after an inspection, concessions can help keep the deal alive. Instead of losing the sale, you can negotiate to cover repair costs, lower the price, or pay part of their closing costs to make the deal more attractive.

How to Use Concessions to Your Advantage

Not all concessions require you to bring extra cash to the table. Instead, they typically come out of your final sale proceeds. The key is knowing when to offer them and how much to give without cutting into your profits too much.

🔹 Work with a real estate agent to determine what buyers in your area are asking for.
🔹 Be strategic—offering concessions upfront could attract more buyers and lead to a faster sale.
🔹 Consider negotiating repairs after the inspection rather than lowering your price significantly.

Bottom Line

The housing market is shifting, and seller concessions are becoming more common. Offering the right incentives can help you attract buyers, close deals faster, and maximize your profit. Work with an experienced agent to ensure you negotiate smartly and get the best deal possible.

📅 Want to discuss your selling strategy? Schedule a Zoom call today! 👉 Sellwithkhalid.com