Sellers Are Offering More Than Ever In 2026
Homebuyers Have More Room to Negotiate Than They Have in Years
If you've been thinking about buying a home, there may be some encouraging news.
According to new research from Redfin, buyers have more negotiating power than they've had in quite some time.
In May, sellers offered concessions in 46.2% of home sales across the U.S. the highest percentage Redfin has ever recorded for the month of May. In other words, nearly one out of every two sellers was willing to offer something extra to help make the sale happen.
While that's certainly good news for buyers, the real opportunity comes from understanding what seller concessions are and how they can help make homeownership more affordable.
What Is a Seller Concession?
A seller concession is something a seller agrees to provide to help reduce the overall cost of purchasing a home. Depending on the situation, this can take several different forms, including:
Repair credits – Rather than completing repairs before closing, the seller provides funds so you can make the improvements yourself after you move in.
Closing cost assistance – The seller helps pay some or all of your closing costs, which can save you thousands of dollars upfront.
Mortgage rate buydowns – The seller contributes toward lowering your interest rate, helping reduce your monthly mortgage payment.
Any concessions should always be clearly outlined in the purchase agreement, so everyone understands exactly what has been agreed upon.
It's also worth noting that seller concessions are separate from price reductions. Even if a seller isn't willing to lower the purchase price, they may still be open to helping with closing costs, repairs, or a rate buydown to make the purchase more comfortable for you.
Why Are Sellers Offering More Concessions?
Today's market is creating more opportunities for buyers.
Across the country, there are currently more homes for sale than there are active buyers. At the same time, mortgage rates and home prices remain higher than many buyers had hoped, causing some people to pause their home search while they wait for greater financial confidence.
As inventory continues to grow in many areas, sellers are finding themselves competing for buyers' attention. Offering concessions has become one way to make their home stand out and create a more appealing opportunity.
Some regions are experiencing this more than others. Markets that saw rapid growth during the pandemic, such as Nashville and Phoenix, now have a larger supply of homes available. Higher insurance costs and HOA fees have also made it more challenging for some sellers in those areas.
What Can Buyers Ask For?
Knowing that concessions are becoming more common is helpful—but understanding what to ask for is where the real value comes in.
In fact, Redfin found that nearly 1 in 7 homes sold in May included both a price reduction and a seller concession. That means buyers may have more flexibility than they realize when it comes to negotiating favorable terms.
Here are a few ways to think about what might benefit you most:
If saving money upfront is your priority, asking the seller to contribute toward closing costs can reduce the amount of cash you'll need on closing day.
If you're focused on keeping your monthly payment lower, a mortgage rate buydown could make a meaningful difference over time.
If you've found a home that needs a little updating, a repair credit gives you the flexibility to choose your own contractors and complete improvements on your schedule.
In many situations, it's perfectly reasonable to ask about more than one concession. Every home and every seller is different, and a knowledgeable real estate professional can help you determine which requests make the most sense.
Making the Most of Today's Market
If you're preparing to make an offer or you're already under contract this is an excellent time to have a conversation with your agent about your negotiating options. National trends provide valuable perspective, but your local market will ultimately determine what's realistic and achievable.
If you're still searching for the right home, now is also a wonderful time to think about which type of concession would have the biggest impact on your budget. For some buyers, assistance with closing costs provides the greatest relief. For others, a lower interest rate creates more comfortable monthly payments for years to come.
Every homebuying journey is unique. Taking the time to understand your options now can help you feel more confident, prepared, and empowered when the right home comes along.