If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market, you might’ve noticed there are more homes for sale right now. And while that can vary by location, overall, things are shifting toward a more balanced market. That’s good news for buyers—because when the market isn’t as wild, sellers tend to be more open to negotiation.

So, what does that mean for you? More leverage. More opportunities to save. And maybe even some extra perks. The trick is knowing what to ask for—and how to ask for it.

Why Having an Agent in Your Corner Is a Game-Changer

Negotiating a home purchase isn’t just about tossing out an offer and hoping for the best. There are a lot of moving parts—some you might not even realize are negotiable. That’s where your real estate agent comes in.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), after helping buyers find the right home, the next most important thing an agent does is negotiate the terms and price of the sale. And that makes sense! A good agent knows what’s working for other buyers, what sellers are open to, and how to structure a deal that works in your favor.

What Can You Negotiate?

There’s more to negotiating than just the price tag. Here are a few things your agent can help you work into the deal:

Sale Price: This one’s obvious, but in today’s market, sellers who’ve overpriced their homes may need to adjust their expectations. If a home has been sitting for a while, there’s a good chance you can get a better deal.

Closing Costs: These typically run 2-5% of the purchase price and cover things like appraisal fees, title insurance, and loan processing. You can ask the seller to chip in on some (or all) of these costs to lighten your upfront expenses. In fact, NAR reports this was the #1 concession sellers made in 2024.

Home Repairs: If the inspection uncovers issues, you can ask the seller to fix them before closing. Not up for the hassle? They might be willing to lower the price or give you a credit so you can handle the repairs yourself.

Home Warranty: Worried about surprise repairs after you move in? A home warranty can help cover major systems and appliances. And since this is a relatively low-cost concession for sellers, it’s often an easy ask.

Appliances & Fixtures: Love that stainless-steel fridge? Need that washer and dryer to stay? Sellers may be willing to include appliances or even furniture in the deal—saving you the hassle and cost of replacing them.

Closing Date: Need more time before you move in? Or maybe you’re looking to close ASAP? The closing date is negotiable, and depending on the seller’s situation, they might be flexible to make the deal work.

The Bottom Line

More inventory means buyers have a little more wiggle room when it comes to negotiating. But not every seller is open to the same concessions—so having the right agent by your side is key to knowing what’s realistic and what might be a deal-breaker.

If you’re thinking about buying and want to strategize the best way to negotiate, let’s chat! I’d love to help you land a great deal with as little stress as possible. What’s your biggest concern when it comes to negotiating? Drop a comment or send me a message!