Seller concessions rise as more buyers gain negotiating room

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Redfin’s latest read gives loan officers a timely reason to revisit seller-paid closing costs, repair credits and offer strategy with active buyers.

Seller concessions are rising, with Redfin reporting on September 18, 2026, that nearly half of homebuyers are getting help from sellers for closing costs, repairs or other perks. Redfin tied the increase to a market where many buyers have more room to negotiate than they did during the tighter inventory years.

The trend matters for mortgage professionals because seller-paid closing costs can change the cash-to-close conversation, improve affordability at the margin and shape how buyers structure offers. Redfin said concessions are especially common in Sun Belt buyer’s markets, including Atlanta and Nashville, while they remain least common in stronger markets such as the Bay Area.

Key takeaways

• Redfin reported that nearly half of homebuyers are receiving seller concessions as more markets favor buyers.
• Concessions are especially common in Sun Belt buyer’s markets, including Atlanta and Nashville, where Redfin says about 7 in 10 buyers are getting them.
• The Bay Area remains one of the stronger housing markets where seller concessions are least common, according to Redfin.
• For loan officers, the practical move is to build seller-paid closing costs and repair credits into the preapproval and offer conversation early.

Sources

• Redfin News — Nearly Half of Homebuyers Get Concessions From Sellers as Most Markets Tip in Buyers’ Favor

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