09/28/2026
Seller Concessions Reach a New US Peak
Having navigated my own challenging home-buying journey before stepping into real estate, I’ve seen how negotiation strategies can shift over time. Most recently, in the rolling 3-month period ending mid-Q3, about 45% of US home sales involved seller concessions—the highest mid-Q3 level since at least 2020. That’s up from roughly 43% last year, reflecting how buyers are finding a bit more room to negotiate as inventory grows and competition eases. Seller concessions have included assistance with repairs, covering closing costs, or even mortgage-rate buydowns. These options are becoming more common, giving buyers several ways to make the purchase more manageable than just relying on a price cut. In fact, around 16% of homes sold in mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a concession, making it even easier for buyers to reduce their upfront costs. If you’re considering a move, understanding the flexibility in today’s negotiations can make all the difference.