5 Seller Concessions That Can Save Portland Buyers Thousands

By Tony Apa

Tony brings a wealth of experience and passion to his real estate career, consistently delivering exceptional service to his clients.

Do you feel like the cost of buying a home keeps slipping out of reach? Many buyers focus solely on saving for a down payment and miss out on a strategy that can save thousands. It’s called seller concessions, and it may be the key to stretching your budget and getting more house for your money in 2025.

Seller concessions are benefits that a seller agrees to cover that reduce your costs as a buyer. They can lower upfront expenses, cut down monthly payments, and give you more flexibility in your purchase. Here are five of the most common and effective concessions to consider in 2025.

1. Closing cost assistance. Closing costs, lender fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, and other expenses can add up to $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Instead of paying this all up front, you can negotiate for the seller to cover some or all of it. For motivated sellers, this is often an attractive way to move the sale forward while helping you free up cash for your down payment or moving expenses.

2. Interest rate buy-down. Another powerful concession is a seller-paid rate buy-down. This is when the seller contributes funds to lower your mortgage interest rate, either temporarily or for the full term of the loan. Even a half-point reduction can save you hundreds each month and thousands over the life of the loan, making homeownership far more affordable.

3. Repair credits or allowances. If a home needs work, instead of pushing the seller to complete repairs, you can ask for a credit to cover the cost. This gives you the freedom to hire your own contractors, complete the work on your schedule, and avoid potential markups. Just make sure to get estimates to confirm the credit is enough to cover the repairs.

4. Home warranty. Another option is asking for a home warranty. Covering major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, as well as appliances, a warranty can protect you from expensive surprises during your first year in the home. Rather than negotiating for a lower sales price, this concession offers peace of mind as you settle into your new home.

5. Personal Property. Finally, sellers may agree to include personal property such as appliances or furniture in the deal. While not every seller will go for this, it can be a practical way to save money on items you’d otherwise need to purchase after moving in.

When negotiated effectively, seller concessions can be a game-changer. They reduce upfront costs, make monthly payments more manageable, and help stretch your budget further than you thought possible. Whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading, these concessions could be the key to making your next purchase affordable.

If you have questions about how seller concessions work or which ones could be right for you, reach out at 503-300-6224 or tony@apaclarketeam.com. I’d be happy to guide you through the process and show you how concessions can make your home purchase more affordable and less stressful.