Can I negotiate seller concessions?
Want the seller to pay your closing costs and repairs? Learn the exact negotiation playbook that gets sellers to chip in — without overpaying.
Yes — you can negotiate seller concessions (and here’s how to win)
Short answer: yes. Seller concessions are negotiable. The real question is: do you know how to structure the offer so the seller says yes? Get this right and you save thousands. Get it wrong and you lose the deal.
Why it works
Sellers want certainty: quick close, clean deal, and the highest net proceeds. Buyers want lower out-of-pocket costs. Concessions bridge that gap. When you present an offer that solves the seller’s pain points while asking for concessions, you win.
Top concession types to ask for
- Closing cost credit (most common)
- Repair credits after inspection
- Rate buydown or mortgage points
- Home warranty for the first year
- Property tax or utility adjustments
When concessions are realistic
- Seller is in a buyers’ market or property has been listed a while
- Seller needs a quick close
- There are inspection items that affect value
- You offer attractive terms: higher purchase price, flexible closing date, or waived minor contingencies
Step-by-step offer strategy
- Market check: If comps support the price, ask for concessions. If the market is hot, concessions are harder to win.
- Put money where it counts: Offer a fair purchase price. Sellers are more willing to pay closing costs than take a lower price if you keep the net similar.
- Trade value for credit: Offer a faster close, non-refundable deposit, or reduced conditions in exchange for a seller credit toward closing costs or repairs.
- Use inspection smartly: Ask for repair credits rather than demanding seller-completed repairs. Credits are cleaner and speed up closing.
- Confirm lender rules: Some lenders limit seller-paid concessions (especially on investment or high-LTV loans). Get pre-approval and confirm allowable credit with the lender before submitting the offer.
- Put it in writing: Include a clear seller credit clause (amount or percentage) in your offer and note how it applies at closing.
Common negotiating levers buyers miss
- Timing: Let the seller set the closing window if it aids your request for concessions.
- Contingency packaging: Bundle inspection and financing terms to make concessions low-risk for the seller.
- Escalation math: A slightly higher offer with seller credit often beats a lower offer with none. Show the seller the net they receive.
Final reality check
You can demand concessions, but expect resistance when multiple competitive offers exist. The best results come from a smart offer that balances price, speed, and certainty. That’s negotiation — not begging.
Want an expert to walk this through with you? Tony Sousa is the local negotiation specialist. He will draft offers that get concessions approved, confirm lender rules, and protect your bottom line.
Contact Tony Sousa: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
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