You might have heard that there are more homes on the market right now. While that can vary depending on the area, overall, things are shifting toward a more balanced market. And as that happens, some sellers are becoming more willing to negotiate. Here’s what that could mean for you.

 

You might be getting some of your negotiating power back, which could mean savings, extra perks, or even better terms on your purchase—if you know how to negotiate the right way.

 

The tricky part is knowing what you can and can’t negotiate—and that’s where your agent comes in. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), after finding the right home, the top thing buyers want from their agent is help negotiating the terms of the sale, followed by the price.

 

Here’s why it matters—agents are expert negotiators, trained for situations just like this. They know the local market inside and out, so they can tell you what’s been working for other buyers (and what hasn’t), helping you set realistic expectations for your own negotiations.

 

That’s where your agent comes in. They’re skilled negotiators, trained to handle situations like this. Since they know the local market inside and out, they can share what’s been working for other buyers (and what hasn’t), helping you understand what’s realistic to ask for.

 

Here are some of the most common things your agent can help you negotiate:

 

• Sale Price: This is the most obvious thing to negotiate, and it’s happening more often these days. With affordability being a challenge, buyers don’t want to overpay. If a seller isn’t realistic about their asking price, they may need to adjust it to make the deal work.
• Closing Costs: These typically run about 2-5% of the home's price and cover things like the appraisal, title insurance, and loan processing fees. To help lower your upfront costs, you can ask the seller to cover some or all of these expenses. In fact, according to NAR, this was the most common concession sellers made in 2024.
• Home Warranties: If you're concerned about potential maintenance costs after you move in, you can ask the seller to cover a home warranty. It’s usually not a huge expense for them, but it can give you peace of mind—and that makes it a great negotiation tool.
• Home Repairs: After the inspection, you can ask the seller to handle certain repairs. If they’re not willing to do the work, they might offer to lower the price or cover some of your closing costs instead—giving you extra room in your budget to take care of the fixes yourself.
• Fixtures & Appliances: Want to keep the washer and dryer? Maybe that stainless-steel fridge too? In many cases, you can ask the seller to include appliances or even some furniture in the deal—saving you money when you move in.
• Closing Date: The closing date isn’t set in stone—it’s something you can negotiate. Whether you need a quicker move-in or a little extra time, you can request a closing timeline that works for you. In some cases, it might even be a win-win for the seller, too.

Negotiating can be tricky, and not every seller will be open to concessions. That’s why it’s important to lean on your agent—they can give you expert advice on what’s reasonable to ask for and what might be a dealbreaker for the seller.

 

Once you’ve found a home you love, you don’t want to risk losing it—but you also want the best deal possible. That’s where having a great agent really pays off.

 

Bottom Line

With more homes on the market, buyers are starting to get a little more leverage. That’s why having the right agent by your side—someone who knows how to negotiate strategically—can make all the difference.

 

What’s your biggest concern about negotiating with a seller? Let me know, and we’ll come up with a game plan to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible!