When buyers are searching for a home, one of the biggest challenges is keeping monthly housing costs affordable. Many people assume the only way to make a home more affordable is by negotiating the purchase price down. While that can help, there’s another strategy that can actually save buyers more money up front: asking the seller for a credit toward closing costs.
Why Seller Credits Can Be More Valuable Than a Price Reduction
Smaller monthly difference: A $10,000 reduction in purchase price might only lower a monthly payment by around $50.
Bigger upfront savings: A $10,000 seller credit can be applied directly to loan fees, title expenses, and prepaid costs. That means buyers bring thousands less in cash to closing.
For many buyers, saving money on upfront costs makes homeownership possible sooner, without draining savings accounts or retirement funds.
Combining Seller Credits With Rate Buydowns
In today’s market, many buyers and sellers are also using seller credits for temporary or permanent interest rate buydowns.
A temporary buydown can lower your interest rate (and monthly payment) for the first 1–3 years of the loan.
A permanent buydown reduces your rate for the life of the loan.
Both options give buyers breathing room in those critical early years of homeownership.
Why This Strategy Works
Instead of focusing only on the sticker price of the home, thinking creatively about seller credits can:
Lower the cash needed at closing.
Make monthly payments more manageable.
Help buyers compete in multiple-offer situations by offering closer to list price, while still securing savings.
Thinking of Buying Soon?
If you’re ready to explore homes in Southern Oregon and want to learn how to make your purchase more affordable, I’d love to help you run the numbers and negotiate the best strategy.
Call or text me at 541-944-9338
Email: londi@suttonhomesrealty.com
Visit: www.SuttonHomesRealty.com
Let’s make your dream home fit your budget.