What You Don’t Know About Seller Credits Could Save You Thousands

Real Estate Weekly Newsletter

You’ve probably heard buyers ask, “Can I get help with closing costs?”
But here’s the truth: Seller credits aren't just a fallback, they're a strategy.

So what are seller credits?

Seller credits (aka seller concessions) are funds the seller agrees to contribute toward your closing costs.
This could include:

• Appraisal fees

• Title insurance

• Escrow charges

• And yes, even mortgage points to buy down your rate

Instead of asking the seller to lower the price, you're asking them to cover costs that would normally come out of your pocket.

Why would a seller agree to this?

Simple: Motivation.
If the home’s been sitting a while or the seller’s ready to move, a credit is often easier to stomach than a price cut.

Plus, it’s a win-win. You need less cash upfront, and they still get close to their asking price.

How much can you actually get?

It depends on your loan type and how much you're putting down:

• Conventional loans: up to 3% with less than 10% down

• FHA loans: up to 6%

• VA loans: up to 4%

And no… it doesn’t hurt your approval. In fact, smart use of seller credits can strengthen your offer in today’s market.

Don’t leave money on the table

Most buyers (and even some agents) don’t fully understand how to negotiate credits the right way.
That’s where having a lender and a realtor who are aligned makes all the difference.

I’ve helped buyers structure offers that saved $8K–$15K at closing without making lowball offers.

Want to see if seller credits could work for your next move?
Schedule a free call and let’s walk through your options together.