Buyers Are Negotiating Again: What You Can Ask For in Today’s Real Estate Market (And What You Shouldn’t)

 

 

For the last few years, buying a home felt like a competition you didn’t sign up for.

Buyers were:

• competing with multiple offers

• paying over asking price

• waiving inspections

• rushing decisions

• feeling like they had zero control

And sellers? Sellers had the upper hand.

But here’s the shift happening right now:

Buyers are negotiating again.

Not everywhere. Not on every house.
But in many markets, the “seller-only power” era is softening.

That means buyers are getting something back that they’ve been missing:

Leverage.

Let’s break down what buyers can negotiate today, what makes a seller say yes, and how to do it the smart way.

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Why Buyers Are Gaining Power Again

The biggest reason?

More inventory + slower demand = more balance.

When buyers have options, sellers have to compete again.

This can happen when:

• there are more homes available

• homes are taking longer to sell

• price growth slows down

• buyers become more payment-sensitive due to interest rates

• sellers are motivated by timelines (job change, divorce, relocation, etc.)

A seller doesn’t have to be “desperate” for a buyer to negotiate — they just have to be in a market where they can’t assume the home will sell instantly.

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The #1 Thing Buyers Need to Understand:

Not every home is negotiable.

Some homes are still hot.

If a home is:

• priced perfectly

• updated

• move-in ready

• in a high-demand area

• staged well and marketed right

…it can still sell quickly and with strong terms.

But homes that are:

• overpriced

• outdated

• sitting longer than average

• competing with similar listings

• needing repairs

…often have room for negotiation.

That’s where the opportunity is.

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What Buyers Can Negotiate Right Now

✅ 1) Purchase Price

This is the obvious one, but it’s also the most emotional.

In today’s shifting market, buyers may have more success offering:

• slightly under asking price

• based on comparable sales

• supported by days on market

• backed by repair estimates (if needed)

Smart buyer move:
Don’t “lowball just to lowball.”
Make an offer that makes sense and can be defended with data.

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✅ 2) Seller Paid Closing Costs (This Is HUGE Right Now)

Closing costs can easily run thousands of dollars — and this is one of the most common negotiation points today.

Buyers may be able to request:

• a seller credit toward closing costs

• lender fees

• prepaid items (taxes/insurance)

This is especially helpful for buyers who are comfortable with the monthly payment, but don’t want to drain savings at closing.

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✅ 3) Repairs (Or Repair Credits)

In the peak frenzy market, buyers were taking homes “as-is” just to win.

Now? Inspections are coming back strong.

Buyers can negotiate:

• repairs after inspection

• credits instead of repairs

• price reduction based on repair needs

Important note:
Some repairs are “normal wear and tear,” and some are legitimate concerns.

Sellers are more likely to negotiate on:

• roof issues

• HVAC problems

• plumbing/electrical defects

• water intrusion

• safety hazards

Less likely on:

• cosmetic preferences

• minor imperfections

• outdated finishes

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✅ 4) Home Warranty

This is a smaller request, but it can bring big peace of mind.

A seller-paid home warranty can help cover certain systems and appliances for the first year.

It’s not a magic shield — but it’s a great negotiating tool when a home has older components.

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✅ 5) A Longer Due Diligence Period (Time = Power)

When buyers were being forced to decide in 30 minutes, mistakes happened.

In today’s market, buyers may be able to negotiate more time for:

• inspections

• contractor quotes

• reviewing HOA documents

• evaluating insurance costs

• lender underwriting

This gives buyers breathing room and reduces the chance of regret.

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✅ 6) Appraisal Terms

Appraisals matter because the lender won’t fund a loan based on an inflated price.

Buyers may be able to negotiate:

• the seller agreeing to reduce price if appraisal comes in low

• limiting buyer’s obligation to cover appraisal gaps

• realistic pricing based on comps

This is a big deal in markets where prices rose quickly and some listings are still priced like it’s peak season.

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✅ 7) Rate Buydowns (Temporary or Permanent)

This is becoming more popular again.

Instead of dropping the price, some sellers may contribute money to help lower the buyer’s interest rate.

That can reduce the monthly payment — which is often the biggest concern for buyers right now.

Rate buydowns aren’t available in every scenario, but when they are, they can be a game-changer.

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✅ 8) Personal Property / Extras

Depending on the situation, buyers can sometimes negotiate items like:

• refrigerator

• washer/dryer

• window treatments

• outdoor furniture

• storage sheds

This works best when the seller is motivated and wants a clean deal.

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When Sellers Are Most Likely to Say “Yes”

Sellers are more open to negotiation when:

• the home has been on the market longer than average

• there have been price reductions already

• there are very few showings

• the seller already moved

• it’s an inherited property

• it’s vacant

• there are repairs needed

• they’re buying another home and have deadlines

In other words: timing and motivation matter.

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What Buyers Should NOT Do (Even in a Better Market)

Just because buyers have more leverage doesn’t mean we go reckless.

Here are mistakes that can kill a deal:

❌ Over-negotiating everything

Some buyers lose the house over $1,500 when they’re buying a $300,000+ home.

Be strategic — not petty.

❌ Asking for unreasonable repairs

If you ask for 30 minor items, you’ll lose credibility fast.

❌ Making an offer without understanding the numbers

A “good deal” is still a bad deal if the monthly payment is uncomfortable.

❌ Waiting too long and missing the right home

Balanced market ≠ slow market everywhere.

The good homes still move.

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The Best Strategy in Today’s Market: Smart + Ready

This market rewards buyers who are:

✅ pre-approved
✅ educated
✅ decisive when the right home comes
✅ prepared to negotiate the right way

Because now you don’t have to “win at all costs.”

You can win with terms that protect you.

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Bottom Line: This Is a Healthier Market for Buyers

We’re moving away from the chaos and back into a market where buyers can:

• make informed decisions

• negotiate reasonable terms

• protect themselves

• still get a great home

If you’ve been waiting for the market to feel less aggressive, you may finally be seeing the shift you hoped for.

And if you want help creating a plan, running numbers, or negotiating the right way — I’m here.

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📲 Call or text (336) 567-5843
Brokered by Real Broker, LLC — NCREL #312309
Jessica J. Baldovinos | @JessicaJBRealtor
Booking link: https://calendly.com/jessicajbrealtor