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Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now
Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive.
What Are Concessions and Incentives?
When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive.
- A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal.
- An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises and offers up front to attract and encourage buyers.
Today, some of the most common ones are:
- Help with closing costs
- Mortgage rate buy-downs (to temporarily lower your rate)
- Discounts or price reductions
- Upgrades or appliances
- Home warranties
- Minor repairs
For buyers, getting any of these things thrown in can be a big deal – especially if you’re working with a tight budget. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:
“. . . they can help reduce the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home.”
Builders Are Making It Easier To Buy
It’s not just one builder willing to toss in a few extras. A lot of builders are using this tactic lately. As Zonda says:
“Incentives continued to be popular in March, offered by builders on 56% of to-be-built homes and 74% of quick move-in (QMI) homes, which can likely be occupied within 90 days.”
That’s because they don’t want to sit on inventory for too long. They want it to sell. And according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), one of the strategies many builders are using to keep that inventory moving (and not just sitting) is a price adjustment (see graph below):
Around 30% of builders lowered prices in each of the first four months of the year. While that also means most builders aren’t lowering prices, it also shows some are willing to negotiate with buyers to get a deal done.
This isn’t a sign of trouble in the market, it’s an opportunity for you. The fact that the majority of builders offer incentives and roughly 3 in 10 are lowering prices means if you’re looking at a newly built home, your builder will probably try to make it easier for you to close the deal.
Existing Home Sellers Are Offering More, Too
More existing homes (one that someone has lived in before) have been hitting the market, too – which means sellers are facing more competition. That’s why over 44% of sellers of existing homes gave concessions to buyers in March (see graph below):
And, if you look back at pre-pandemic years on this graph, you’ll see 44% is pretty much returning to normal. After years of sellers having all the power, the market is balancing again, which can work in your favor as a buyer.
But remember, concessions don’t always mean a big discount. While more sellers are compromising on price, that’s not always the lever they pull. Sometimes it’s as simple as the seller paying for repairs, leaving appliances behind for you, or helping with your closing costs.
And considering that home values have risen by more than 57% over the course of the past 5 years, small concessions are a great way for sellers to make a house more attractive to buyers while still making a profit.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking at a newly built home or something a little older, there’s a good chance you can benefit from concessions or incentives.
If a seller or builder offered you something extra, what would make the biggest difference to help you move forward?
Let’s talk about it and see if it’s realistic based on inventory and competition in our local market.
Why You Don’t Want To Skip Your Home Inspection
When you finally find the home you want to buy, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. You’ve toured the place, imagined your furniture in it, maybe even pictured your morning coffee on the porch. The last thing you want is to slow down the process with more steps or lose out to another buyer’s offer because they skipped their inspection.
But here’s the thing. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And no matter how perfect that house seems, skipping a home inspection is a risk that could cost you a lot more than just time.
What Exactly Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection gives you a detailed look at the home’s condition, usually after your offer’s accepted but before closing. While what’s covered varies by state, an inspector usually goes over the home’s major systems and structure, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more.
Why an Inspection Is Worth It
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the biggest benefits of getting an inspection.
- Helps you avoid unpleasant surprises. A house might seem move-in ready, but could have issues you didn’t see during your walkthrough. Knowing about these before closing day is important. That way, you have a better idea of what work may need to be done to the home.
- Gives you negotiating power. Depending on what the inspection turns up, you may want to re-negotiate with the seller. For that, lean on your agent. With their help, you can ask the seller to handle repairs before closing day or provide a credit so you can take care of them yourself.
- Offers you peace of mind. Buying a home is emotional, especially if you’ve been searching for a while. An inspection helps take some of the uncertainty off your plate, so you can move forward with confidence.
A few hundred dollars upfront for the home inspection could save you thousands in surprise repairs later. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:
“Failure to obtain a home inspection could potentially cost you a great deal of money and hassles in the long run.”
Why You Don’t Want To Waive Your Inspection
According to the latest data from NAR, nearly 1 in 4 buyers are waiving (or removing) the inspection contingency when they buy a home. And with spring being peak homebuying season and buyer activity already heating up, you may be thinking about doing that yourself. As Realtor.com points out:
“ . . . if you’re in a hot real estate market where homes are getting multiple offers, there might be a temptation to skip an inspection when you really want the house. However, waiving a home inspection comes with sizable risks.”
But skipping the inspection is a gamble that doesn’t necessarily pay off. Just remember, there are other ways to make your offer attractive to sellers, like being flexible with the closing date. Before making an offer, talk to your agent about other ways to get a seller’s attention without sacrificing your peace of mind.
Bottom Line
Even if skipping an inspection sounds like a way to make your offer more competitive or speed things up, it’s risky. It’s not just extra time and documentation, it’s a smart step that protects your wallet, your investment, and your future.
If you could ask a home inspector one question before buying, what would it be? Let me know and I’ll make sure it’s the first thing we bring up.
Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?
At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”
That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works.
Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why.
Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep Climbing
Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, and they consistently agree on one thing: nationally, home prices are expected to rise through at least 2029.
Yes, the sharp price increases are behind us, but experts project a steady, healthy, and sustainable increase of 3-4% per year going forward. And while this will vary by local market from year to year, the good news is, this is a much more normal pace – a welcome sign for the housing market and hopeful buyers (see graph below):
And even in markets experiencing more modest price growth or slight short-term declines, the long game of homeownership wins over time.
So, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Next year’s home prices will be higher than this year’s. The longer you wait, the more the purchase price will go up.
- Waiting for the perfect mortgage rate or a price drop may backfire. Even if rates dip slightly, projected home price growth could still make waiting more expensive overall.
- Buying now means building equity sooner. When you play the long game of homeownership, your equity rewards you over time.
What You’ll Miss Out On
Let’s put real numbers into this equation, because it adds up quickly. Based on those expert projections, if you bought a typical $400,000 home in 2025, it could gain nearly $80,000 in value by 2030 (see graph below):
That’s a serious boost to your future wealth – and why your friends and family who already bought a home are so glad they did. Time in the market matters.
So, the question isn’t: should I wait? It’s really: can I afford to buy now? Because if you can stretch a little or you’re willing to buy something a bit smaller just to get your foot in the door, this is why it’ll be worth it.
Yes, today’s housing market has challenges, but there are ways to make it work, like exploring different neighborhoods, asking your lender about alternative financing, or tapping into down payment assistance programs.
The key is making a move when it makes sense for you, rather than waiting for a perfect scenario that may never arrive.
Bottom Line
Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market.
If you’re debating whether to buy now or wait, remember this: real estate rewards those who get in the market, not those who try to time it perfectly.
Want to take a look at what’s happening with prices in our local area? Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring your options, having a plan in place can set you up for long-term success.
3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring
Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”
But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress.
What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case.
1. Less Competition from Other Buyers
The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the process feel less rushed and less stressful.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer (see graph below):
Fewer buyers in the market means you’ll likely have more time to make thoughtful decisions. It also means you may have more negotiating power. According to the Alabama Association of Realtors:
“A significant benefit of buying a home in winter is the reduced competition. Because of the perceived benefits of spring, many buyers delay the start of their house hunt. As a result, you will find fewer people competing for the same properties during winter. Less demand can translate into more negotiating power as sellers may be more willing to entertain offers or agree to concessions to get a deal closed quickly.”
2. More Negotiating Power
With homes staying on the market longer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate. This can lead to better deals for you as a buyer, whether that means a lower price or added incentives, like sellers covering closing costs or making repairs. As Chen Zhao, an Economist at Redfin, points out:
“. . . buying during the off season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal.”
Plus, when demand is lower, sellers often feel more pressure to work with serious buyers. This could give you an edge to negotiate terms that work best for your situation.
3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Rise
Historically, home prices tend to be at their lowest point in the winter months, too. According to data from NAR, home prices last year were at their lowest in January, February, and March — right before the spring buying season kicked in (see graph below):
This trend isn’t new — Bright MLS shows between 2010 and 2024, home prices in January and February were, on average, 15% lower than during the month of peak home prices (typically June). Buying in the off-season means you’re more likely to avoid paying the premium prices that come with the high demand of spring.
On top of that, home prices generally appreciate over time, meaning they tend to go up year after year. That means if you’re ready to buy and you can make it happen, you’re not only taking advantage of what might be the lowest prices of the year, but you’re also locking in today’s price before it increases in the future.
Bottom Line
While spring may seem like the obvious time to buy, moving before the peak season can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiation power, and lower prices.
If you’re ready to explore your options, let’s connect.
How To Sell Your Home For Sale By Owner
Selling your home for sale by owner doesn’t need to be tricky. Here are the steps and tips for selling your home without a real estate agent.
How Do I Sell My House FSBO?
1. Understand FSBO Pros and Cons
Before venturing into the housing market on your own, you should understand what you might have to gain or lose from selling for sale by owner. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of FSBO:
Pros
- Lower commission fees – For traditional real estate transactions, you’d need to pay both the seller’s and buyer’s agents commission. With FSBO transactions, you’ll only be responsible for paying the buyer’s agent, which can halve your buyer procurement fee.
- Expertise – Who knows your home better than you, the homeowner? When it comes to selling prospective buyers on the best features your home has to offer or beloved spots in the neighborhood, no one can provide the inside scoop like you can.
- Control – While some might find having the transactional responsibility of selling a house daunting, for others, having the final say is a huge plus. When you sell your home FSBO, you have the last word on the listing, sale, and of course – who gets your home.
Cons
- Attachment issues – As much as your love for your home can help you pitch your neighborhood and property, it can also serve as a detriment if your rose-colored glasses get in the way. Say you’re set on certain decor for staging or unique design choices that others may not love the way you do – you could be driving away buyers with a bad first impression.
- Lack of resources and know-how – Unless you’re a practicing real estate agent or you have close friends or family who are, chances are you won’t have access to the same resources that selling agents do. This can include marketing, preexisting networks and access to market data. As a non-agent, you’ll also lack the real estate knowledge that selling agents have on pricing strategy, legal, appraisals, lenders and more.
- Time – FSBO is a huge time commitment and will practically serve as a second job. From repairs, home improvement projects and staging, to handling each and every transaction, if you think you’ll be spreading yourself thin trying to sell FSBO, it may not be the best idea.
2. Set A Fair Price
When it comes to pricing your home, it’s usually better to list too low rather than too high. Low prices will get you more offers, which can always be negotiated. Not to mention, more offers on your home will drive the price up.
But if you’re particularly concerned about listing at the perfect price range, consider conducting a comparative market analysis, or a CMA, to better understand how people with homes similar to your own priced their properties.
3. Prepare Your House
This includes everything from renovations and cleaning to relocating any pets and staging your house. Whether it’s for online photos or an open house, you’ll want to make sure your home is looking its very best. It’s also important to keep landscaping in mind to maximize curb appeal.
4. Invest In Marketing and Advertising
In our digital age, first impressions are everything – even online. So it may be a good idea to invest in a photographer or a good camera to capture high-quality photos of your home and yard for online listings.
You might also want to consider posting an ad to a neighborhood bulletin or newsletter, or buying some exposure on social media.
5. Act Like A Professional
Some buyers are hesitant to work with FSBO sellers due to the risk of being met with a lack of professionalism or real estate etiquette – combat this by really adopting your role as a real estate agent. Be prompt with responding to calls and emails, be accommodating with your schedule and showings, and be open minded about your home and any criticisms or concerns buyers may have.
6. Ensure You Have Qualified Buyers
Real estate can put you in a vulnerable space: opening up your home to strangers. Be prepared and diligent in order to stay safe and protect your things – make sure to hide or store your valuables away from prying eyes, and make it known that you keep a detailed record of those who tour your home. This will discourage casual wanderers or anyone without the purest of intentions.
7. Hire A Real Estate Attorney
To be on the safe side, you’ll probably want to hire a real estate attorney to review all of your paperwork and documents. In some states, you may even be legally required to employ a real estate attorney.
8. Don’t Rule Out An Agent
Although you might be set on selling FSBO, make sure you only do so if it works best for you. If the cons far outweigh the pros or selling FSBO just doesn’t fit into your current lifestyle, hiring a real estate agent can be well worth the extra cash.
The Bottom Line
Selling your home for sale by owner can be challenging but not impossible. It all depends on your lifestyle, resources and will to get things done. We’re here to provide you all the tips and best practices for selling your home on your own.
This content has been sourced from Forsalebyowner.com.
