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Are seller concessions common in this market or should I avoid asking?

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Atanas_R
Joined:
26.11.2024
Posts: 413
Topic Starter
14.02.2025 10:24
I am currently in the process of putting an offer on my first home, and my agent suggested asking for seller concessions to help cover some of the closing costs. I've heard mixed things about this; some people say it makes an offer look weak, while others insist it's standard practice. Given that interest rates are currently a bit high, I really need that extra cash for the down payment and repairs. Has anyone had success negotiating these lately, or will it just get my offer rejected immediately? I'm worried about losing out on the house if I push too hard.
18 replies in this topic
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Aleks_K
Joined:
20.12.2021
Posts: 424
28.02.2025 20:58
It really depends on your local market. If there are multiple offers, sellers are definitely going to pick the cleanest one without concessions.
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Niko_N
Joined:
17.09.2020
Posts: 1511
15.03.2025 12:25
In reply to a previous post
I just closed last month and asked for 2% in closing costs. The seller accepted because my offer price was strong enough to cover their bottom line. It’s all about the net amount.
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grigor_b
Joined:
16.01.2024
Posts: 1796
23.03.2025 21:17
In reply to a previous post
Exactly, look at the net sheet. If you offer $5k over asking but ask for $5k in concessions, it's a wash for the seller.
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chicho_savet
Joined:
10.10.2020
Posts: 2344
23.04.2025 09:01
Don't let people scare you. In this interest rate environment, sellers are used to seeing concession requests. It's becoming the new normal again.
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radek_sofia
Joined:
14.12.2022
Posts: 2353
11.06.2025 19:21
In reply to a previous post
I tried asking for concessions on three different houses and got rejected every single time. As soon as I stopped asking, my fourth offer was accepted immediately.
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simon_v
Joined:
21.04.2022
Posts: 1408
16.06.2025 21:05
In reply to a previous post
That's frustrating, but were those houses on the market for a long time or were they fresh listings?
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Marius_C
Joined:
31.07.2023
Posts: 1177
16.07.2025 22:27
In reply to a previous post
If a house has been sitting for more than two weeks, definitely ask. You have way more leverage there.
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chicho_savet
Joined:
31.03.2022
Posts: 2020
16.08.2025 17:39
My advice: ask for the concessions but be prepared to drop them if you get into a bidding war.
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simon_v
Joined:
14.09.2024
Posts: 790
16.09.2025 02:51
In reply to a previous post
Agreed. You can always include a clause that you'll cover the gap if the appraisal comes in low, which helps reassure the seller.
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nov_tuk
Joined:
11.10.2022
Posts: 2499
18.10.2025 22:05
I feel like a lot of agents just want the deal to close fast, so they push for whatever makes the offer easiest to accept. Listen to your gut.
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chicho_savet
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01.06.2024
Posts: 2298
24.10.2025 20:03
In reply to a previous post
Are you putting 20% down? If not, the sellers might be worried about your financing falling through, so concessions might just add to that anxiety.
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ZlatnaRuka
Joined:
25.09.2021
Posts: 2352
29.10.2025 13:25
In reply to a previous post
I'm doing a 5% down conventional loan. Does that make the seller more nervous?
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ChernaKotka
Joined:
11.12.2023
Posts: 1799
30.10.2025 00:41
In reply to a previous post
A little bit, yeah. Low down payments sometimes signal to sellers that you're stretched thin financially.
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Zuzi_P
Joined:
27.06.2023
Posts: 1431
24.11.2025 23:19
In reply to a previous post
Just make sure your pre-approval is rock solid and have your lender call the listing agent. That usually helps more than anything else.
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jacek_bg
Joined:
21.09.2024
Posts: 603
03.01.2026 06:04
Honestly, I wouldn't risk it if it's a 'dream home'. Just get the house and worry about the cash later.
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Maya_L
Joined:
27.08.2022
Posts: 974
25.02.2026 01:03
In reply to a previous post
That's terrible advice. If they can't afford the closing costs, they shouldn't be buying yet.
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Znaesht
Joined:
16.11.2023
Posts: 2243
03.04.2026 05:24
In reply to a previous post
Closing costs are a huge chunk of change. Why wouldn't they ask if it's standard? It's just business.
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iztrit_potrebitel
Joined:
30.12.2025
Posts: 542
10.04.2026 16:22
In reply to a previous post
Good luck OP! Navigating your first purchase is stressful, but don't let the fear of rejection stop you from trying to get a fair deal.

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