Are seller concessions worth it in this market?

real estateselling a homehome buying

Art_B

Joined:
13.11.2021
Posts: 741

Topic Starter

20.01.2025 10:07

I'm getting ready to list my home next month and my agent mentioned that I might want to offer seller concessions to attract more buyers. I've heard the term thrown around, but I'm still a bit confused about how it actually impacts my bottom line at closing. Are these mostly just for helping buyers with their closing costs, or is there more to it than that? I'm worried that offering them might make my house look like it has underlying issues, but I also want to move the property quickly. Has anyone here had a good or bad experience using concessions to push a sale through?

20 replies in this topic

WhiteCrow

Joined:
26.11.2020
Posts: 1058

03.02.2025 21:43

It’s definitely a tool to have in your kit right now. With interest rates where they are, buyers are really cash-strapped for the upfront costs.

chris_1982

Joined:
16.11.2024
Posts: 2418

12.03.2025 03:29

In reply to a previous post

I sold my condo last year and offered 3% in concessions. It closed in two weeks. Totally worth it if you want speed.

Profit_Maker

Joined:
17.06.2023
Posts: 1922

16.04.2025 05:34

In reply to a previous post

Does offering concessions really make the house look bad? I've been worried about that too.

Alan_K

Joined:
02.09.2024
Posts: 2236

27.04.2025 10:41

In reply to a previous post

Not at all, it's pretty standard practice these days. Most buyers just want to keep their cash for renovations or furniture.

Igor_Tech

Joined:
12.04.2024
Posts: 557

13.05.2025 10:20

Just be careful not to overdo it. You don't want to look desperate if your home is in great shape.

Eugene_D

Joined:
07.09.2021
Posts: 19

24.05.2025 23:05

I think it depends on your local market. In my city, homes are still flying off the shelf without any help.

Profit_Maker

Joined:
01.01.2023
Posts: 844

18.06.2025 08:12

In reply to a previous post

Exactly what user6 said. If you're in a hot area, don't give away money for no reason.

deleted_user

Joined:
03.02.2020
Posts: 257

22.06.2025 07:09

The main benefit is that it helps buyers qualify for the loan if they are tight on closing costs. It's basically a way to lower their barrier to entry.

sunday_guest

Joined:
29.10.2023
Posts: 493

13.08.2025 16:23

In reply to a previous post

I used concessions to cover a rate buy-down for my buyer. It made the deal way more attractive than a lower price would have.

Leon_M

Joined:
08.02.2023
Posts: 2295

08.09.2025 02:29

In reply to a previous post

That's a smart move. A rate buy-down is way more valuable to a buyer than a few thousand off the purchase price.

Sam_W

Joined:
31.12.2024
Posts: 659

24.10.2025 11:11

In reply to a previous post

How do you calculate the right amount to offer? Is 3% the magic number?

Chris_K

Joined:
26.03.2022
Posts: 409

09.11.2025 16:39

In reply to a previous post

3% is standard, but it really depends on what the buyer's loan type is. Ask your agent to run the numbers on what's allowed.

sunday_guest

Joined:
22.02.2024
Posts: 1770

10.11.2025 08:40

I wouldn't offer anything upfront. Wait to see what the offers look like and keep it as a negotiating card.

JustAsking

Joined:
11.06.2022
Posts: 458

17.11.2025 06:31

In reply to a previous post

Great point. Don't show your hand before you even get an offer.

Sam_W

Joined:
28.09.2024
Posts: 666

20.11.2025 12:02

I had a bad experience. Offered concessions and the buyer still nitpicked the inspection. Never again.

Amelie_Z

Joined:
29.06.2021
Posts: 792

05.12.2025 07:22

In reply to a previous post

Sorry to hear that! That sounds more like a bad buyer than a bad strategy, though.

Mike_B

Joined:
12.06.2024
Posts: 1982

19.12.2025 11:31

It’s all about the net proceeds. If you raise your list price slightly to cover the concessions, you might end up with the same amount in your pocket.