Common Buyer Concessions and How Sellers Can Negotiate Them Effectively

Buyer concessions are a normal part of real estate negotiations, especially in a 2025 market that has leveled out across Central Florida. Even in high-demand areas like Winter Garden, Minneola, and Clermont, buyers look for ways to reduce upfront costs or offset inspection findings - essentially they want to come back to the negotiation table. Understanding the most common requests helps you prepare, respond confidently, and negotiate terms that keep the deal moving without sacrificing your priorities.

Closing Cost Assistance

This is one of the most frequent buyer requests. Some buyers ask sellers to contribute toward their loan costs, escrow funding, or prepaid expenses such as taxes and insurance.
How to negotiate:

• Review the buyer’s full offer. A strong price may justify a concession; a weak price usually doesn’t.

• Consider offering a partial credit or a credit tied to a stronger offer price.

• If you’re seeing multiple showings early in your listing period, hold firm. Market demand is on your side.

Repair Requests

After inspections, buyers commonly ask for repairs or credits. These range from roof or AC issues to electrical updates or safety concerns.
How to negotiate:

• Focus on health, safety, and system functionality, not cosmetic opinions.

• Offer credits instead of repairs when timing is tight.

• Provide documentation for previous maintenance if the issue is already known and stable.

Price Adjustments

Sometimes a buyer uses inspection findings or appraisal results to justify a lower price.
How to negotiate:

• Ask to see the buyer’s documentation.

• Adjust only for verified material issues or appraisal shortfalls.

• If their reasoning doesn’t align with market reality, decline and wait for a stronger buyer.

Request for Personal Property

Buyers occasionally ask for appliances, outdoor furniture, or other items.
How to negotiate:

• Include only what you’re already willing to part with.

• If buyers want premium items, tie them to a stronger purchase price.

HOA or Assessment Credits

In some communities, buyers ask sellers to cover upcoming assessments or a portion of HOA fees.
How to negotiate:

• Review the timing and accuracy of the fees.

• Decline if the fee benefits the buyer after closing rather than addressing a current seller obligation.

Home Warranty Requests

Buyers often request a one-year home warranty for peace of mind.
How to negotiate:

• Offer this when repairs are simple but buyers want reassurance.

• Use it as a low-cost concession to keep a solid offer moving.

Bottom Line

Buyers will ask for concessions, but you control the structure of the deal. When each request is evaluated with current market conditions, documented evidence, and a clear pricing strategy, you maintain leverage and move toward a fair, solid contract.

If you’re preparing to sell your Central Florida home, I can review buyer requests, build a negotiation plan, and help you protect both your price and your timeline. Let’s structure your sale the right way from the start.