Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It
The Gentry Team April 1, 2025
The Gentry Team April 1, 2025
Sale Price: The most obvious concession is the price of the home. And that lever is being pulled more often today. Buyers don’t want to overpay when affordability is already so tight. And sellers who aren’t realistic about their asking price may have to consider adjusting their price.
Closing Costs: Closing costs are usually about 2-5% of a home’s purchase price and include fees for things like the appraisal, title insurance, and underwriting of your loan. To offset the cash you have to bring to the table, you can ask the seller to pay for some or all of these expenses. This was the most common concession sellers made in 2024, according to NAR.
Home Warranties: If you’re worried about the maintenance costs that may pop up after you get the keys, you can ask the seller to pay for a home warranty. Since this concession usually isn’t terribly expensive for the seller, it can be a good negotiation tool for a buyer. It’s not a big cost for them, but it can be a big perk for you.
Home Repairs: Based on the inspection, you’re within your rights to ask the seller to make repairs. If the seller doesn’t want to, they could offer to drop the home price or cover some closing costs, so you have more room in your budget to take care of the repairs yourself.
Fixtures: Want that washer and dryer to stay? Maybe the stainless-steel fridge, too? In many cases, you can ask for appliances or even furniture to be included in the deal, which will save you money when you move in.
Closing Date: The closing date is also negotiable. Based on your timeline, you may also request a faster or extended closing window. Depending on the seller’s needs, this could be great for their situation, too.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Here are what experts are saying about both prices and rates.
If you’re ready to sell now, beat the competition before it comes onto the market.
You’re not just meeting your own needs, you’re also making a positive impact on the community.
You may have seen talk online that new home inventory is at its highest level since the crash.
Every slowdown in the past has eventually given way to more activity, and this one will too.
If concerns about bidding wars have been holding you back, it may be time to take another look.
If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy.
If working with a team that truly gives back to the community matters to you, we would make a great match. Reach out today to get started on buying or selling your home with a team that knows Moore County inside and out. With decades in the industry and an exceptional team of sales specialists, The Gentry Team has sold more homes than any other real estate firm in Moore County—and more than the total volume of most real estate companies in the region. This level of experience is unmatched, allowing us to help you sell your home for top value while anticipating and handling every detail along the way. We work collaboratively, combining our collective expertise to achieve the very best results for our clients. It is an approach built on trust, teamwork, and proven success. When you work with real locals, you get real results.