09/23/2026
LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT’S ACTUALLY NEGOTIABLE IN REAL ESTATE AS A BUYER⬇️
👉🏽Down Payment: YOUR responsibility based on your loan/program.
👉🏽Closing Costs: can be NEGOTIABLE. Seller concessions may be available depending on the property and contract.
👉🏽Appraisal: YOUR EXPENSE. It helps determine whether the property supports the contract price for the lender. (Keep this in mind when bidding high)
👉🏽Home Inspection: YOUR EXPENSE. You can choose to waive an inspection, but I HIGHLY recommend getting one.
👉🏽Repairs: NEGOTIABLE. What gets repaired, replaced, credited, or accepted is part of the negotiation.
👉🏽Due Diligence Fee: YOUR EXPENSE. Paid directly to the seller and typically credited toward the purchase price at closing if you close.
👉🏽Earnest Money: YOUR EXPENSE. Held according to the contract and typically credited toward your purchase price at closing.
👉🏽Home Warranty: NEGOTIABLE. And yes… I always include one for my buyers.
👉🏽Home Insurance: Mortgage Lenders typically REQUIRE adequate homeowners insurance before closing and throughout the loan.
👉🏽Your Real Estate Agents time, knowledge, availability and representation: NON-NEGOTIABLE. ( although the seller will pay your agent for most of or all of their fees in most cases.) 😉
You’re not just paying for a house. Know what you’re paying for. Know what can be negotiated.
Jatia Modlin, Realtor®
Fathom Realty
