05/04/2026
Most Orange County buyers focus on negotiating the list price and miss finding leverage in other areas.
Meanwhile, the levers that can save you the most don’t touch the list price at all.
Ask the seller to buy down your rate. This can save you tens of thousands over the life of the loan.
Then there’s the repair credits. Instead of going back and forth over who fixes what, ask for a credit at closing.
You keep the money, choose your own contractor, and what it looks like when it’s finished.
Don’t forget to ask what stays with the home. Appliances, furniture, window treatments, these are all negotiable. (And that’s money you don’t have to go spend later).
And most importantly: talk to more than one lender. I’ve seen the same buyer get wildly different rates just by making two extra phone calls.
I’m Brittany Soroudi, a real estate agent in Orange County, CA. Follow along for the stuff most agents don’t tell you until it’s too late.
As always, my DMs are open for your questions. Follow along for all things OC – the best new listings, things to do, and a look at life here.
