Home Buyer Concessions You Should Absolutely Know About

Dated: April 30 2025

Views: 329

Let’s be real—buying a home can feel like a full-time job. Between showings, offers, and inspections, there’s a lot flying at you. But here’s something that can seriously tip the scales in your favor: buyer concessions. These are perks or costs a seller might cover to help sweeten the deal—and if you know what to ask for, they can save you thousands or ease a ton of stress.

Here are three concessions you should definitely keep on your radar:

1. Seller-Paid Closing Costs: Keep More Cash in Your Pocket
Closing costs aren’t just some small line item—they can be a big chunk of change. We’re talking lender fees, taxes, title insurance… the works. But here’s the good news: you can negotiate to have the seller cover some (or even all) of those costs. This move is especially common in a buyer’s market or if the home’s been sitting a while. Less upfront expense for you = more flexibility in your budget for moving costs, new furniture, or just breathing room.

2. Repairs and Credits: Fix It or Fund It
Inspections are meant to uncover the stuff you don’t want to find out after you move in—leaky roofs, bad wiring, or an aging furnace. If something pops up, don’t panic. You can negotiate with the seller to either make those repairs before closing or provide a credit so you can tackle the fixes on your own terms. Either way, you’re not left footing the bill for surprise issues the second you unpack your boxes.

3. Home Warranty: Your First-Year Safety Net
If the home doesn’t come with newer appliances or updated systems, a home warranty can be a total game-changer. It typically covers repairs or replacements for things like HVAC systems, kitchen appliances, and plumbing for your first year. Ask the seller to throw in a warranty—it’s one less thing to worry about when you’re settling in and juggling all the “new house” stuff.

Here’s the bottom line:
You don’t have to take every term at face value. Concessions exist to help make the deal work for you. Whether it’s getting help with closing costs, having repairs addressed before move-in, or securing a home warranty to protect your investment, these are all points you can negotiate.

If you’re ready to start shopping—and want to make sure you're getting the best terms possible—I’ve got you. Let’s talk about your goals and get a strategy in place that works for you, not just the deal.

🧡 Ready when you are. Let's find the one.

Blog author image

Jay Svoboda

As a dedicated full-time real estate professional in the Omaha metro area, I am committed to providing you with an exceptional experience and clear communication throughout your real estate journey. B....

Latest Blog Posts

Can't Find a Home in the Neighborhood You Want? Don't Give Up Yet

You got pre-approved. You've narrowed down your search. You know exactly where you want to live.Maybe it's because of the schools. Maybe it's the shorter commute. Maybe you've driven through the

Read More

Why Now Is Still a Great Time to Sell

There’s a lot of noise out there right now about interest rates, buyer hesitation, and what the market is “supposed” to be doing. But here’s what I’m actually seeing in

Read More

Pssst. Want the secret to getting top dollar for your home

Every seller wants the same answer. How do you get the most money possible for your home? There may not be a magic trick, but there is absolutely a strategy. In the Omaha metro, getting top dollar

Read More

Worried Your Home Needs Too Much Work to Sell? Think Again

If you’re ready to move on but worried your home needs too much work, you’re not alone. Maybe your kitchen feels a little dated, the paint has seen better days, or the roof could use

Read More