SEATTLE — May 2, 2025
Home shoppers finally have a bit of leverage again. A new Redfin analysis finds 44.4 % of U.S. homes that closed in Q1 2025 included a seller concession, just shy of the highest share on record. That’s up from 39.3 % a year earlier and roughly double the 2021 low.
Concessions vary, but three tactics dominate this spring:
| Common concession | Typical value | Why sellers agree | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closing‑cost credit | $5 000–$12 000 | Helps cash‑strapped buyers who face higher rates | |
| Mortgage‑rate buy‑down (2‑1 or 3‑2‑1) | 2–3 points of loan amount | Lets sellers keep list price optics intact | |
| Repair or upgrade allowance | $3 000–$15 000 | Addresses inspection issues without delaying closing |
Where deals are richest
Seattle leads the nation—71 % of Q1 sales involved concessions—followed by Phoenix (68 %) and Las Vegas (65 %), Redfin data show. Regions that saw the fiercest bidding wars in 2021–22 now have the most price cuts and the most giveaways.
“Sellers who locked in 3 % mortgages are reluctant to drop their asking price too far, so they’re effectively writing checks at the closing table instead,” says Redfin senior economist Taylor Marr.
Negotiation playbook for 2025 buyers
- Ask for a rate buy‑down first. Many sellers prefer it to an outright price cut because it keeps comparables higher.
- Keep contingency deadlines short. A 7‑day inspection window or pre‑underwritten financing makes a concession request more palatable.
- Use local data. Show listings with similar concessions to justify your ask.
For sellers, sweeteners can still pay off—homes with concessions sold nine days faster on average in Q1, Redfin says. But be ready for appraisal scrutiny, especially if the credit exceeds 3 % of the purchase price.
