After more than 35 years as a full-time real estate broker, I’ve seen a lot of market shifts, but the recent rise in seller concessions stands out. In the rolling three-month period ending Mid-Q3, about 45% of U.S. home sales involved sellers providing concessions—the highest share for this time of year since at least 2020. That’s up from around 43% a year ago, reflecting how buyers have gained more leverage as increased inventory and softer competition reshape the landscape. These concessions often include help with repairs, closing costs, or mortgage-rate buydowns, giving buyers options to manage their total purchase costs beyond just negotiating the price. Sellers are now competing not only through price cuts but also by offering closing cost credits and rate buydowns, making negotiations more dynamic and giving buyers greater flexibility. In fact, about 16% of homes sold in Mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a concession, opening up even more ways to help buyers with entry costs. It’s a reminder that understanding all the tools available in a changing market can make a real difference for both buyers and sellers.