More than ever, sellers are stepping up to meet buyers where they are. In the rolling 3-month period ending Mid-Q3, about 45% of U.S. home sales included seller concessions—a new high for this time frame since at least 2020. That’s up from roughly 43% a year earlier, signaling that buyers are finding new opportunities as inventory climbs and competition eases nationwide. Concessions have taken many forms, from help with repairs and closing costs to mortgage-rate buydowns, offering buyers creative ways to ease their upfront expenses beyond just negotiating the price. In fact, about 16% of homes sold in Mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a concession, opening yet another door for buyers to lower their entry costs. As someone who has guided hundreds of clients through changing markets, I’ve seen firsthand how negotiating smart concessions can make a real difference. Navigating these evolving strategies is all part of my commitment to ensuring every client achieves their real estate goals with confidence.