Should Sellers Pay A Buyers Closing Costs? - What Sellers Need To Know In Today's Real Estate Market!
Should A Seller Pay for The Buyer’s Closing Costs?
What Sellers Need To Know.
by Jim Mazziotti - June 2026
One of the top questions I get from my SELLER clients is... Should I Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs?
In today's shifting real estate market, sellers are facing new pressures to sweeten their offers by covering buyer closing costs, a significant change from just a few years ago when sellers held most of the negotiating power.
I recognize that understanding this evolving negotiation tactic is crucial for sellers looking to attract serious buyers and close deals in a competitive landscape. So, whether you're considering offering closing cost assistance or need guidance on what's reasonable in your local market, it's important to weigh the financial implications against the potential benefits of a faster, more certain sale.
A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything. No repairs. No concessions. No negotiation. If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller's terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again. That's why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this: In my 34 years in real estate I have approached my clients outcome isn't to “win” every negotiation.
Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers WHERE THEY ARE to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer's closing costs. Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale. What Are Buyer Closing Costs? Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examples: Loan origination fees Appraisal and inspection costs Title and attorney fees Survey fees and more Typically, buyer closing costs range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. So, on the typical $400,000 home, that could mean anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 out of pocket. And in today’s affordability-challenged market, that upfront cash can be a major hurdle for some buyers – even if they can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage payment itself.
That’s why more people are asking sellers for help. And More Sellers Are Saying “Yes” According to the latest data from Zillow, 67% of sellers reported paying some or all of the buyer’s closing costs in 2025 . To help you better understand the data, I have posted a graph on my Jim Mazziotti Facebook page.
Now, that doesn't mean every seller is doing it. And it definitely doesn't mean every seller should. But it does show how common concessions have become as the market has shifted. And that’s important for you to know. So, when does Paying Closing Costs May Make Sense? This is where many sellers get stuck. They hear "help with closing costs" and immediately think: "Why should I pay for their expenses?" But that's not always the right way to look at it. You’ve got to consider who has the leverage in today’s market.
Redfin data shows there are more sellers than buyers active today. And that shifts the market dynamics. I have posted a second graph on my 'Jim Mazziotti' and my 'Senior To Seniors' Facebook pages.
That doesn't mean every market favors buyers. Far from it. In some areas, homes are still selling quickly and sellers have plenty of leverage. But in others, buyers have more room to negotiate than they've had in years. That's why local market conditions matter so much when you make your decision. For example, helping with closing costs may be worth considering if: There are a lot of homes for sale in your area Your house has been sitting on the market longer than expected You’ve had showings, but no offers You’re motivated to move quickly Or you’re trying to keep a deal together during negotiations After all, if it’s the thing that helps bring a serious buyer across the finish line, it could be well worth it. Now, know that there are Other Concessions You Could Offer Instead!
Just remember, being flexible doesn’t mean saying “yes” to every request. It means understanding which compromises actually help you accomplish your goals. Because there are always alternatives. It's my job to help you with this.
Redfin suggests considering other concessions if you’re not interested in helping with closing costs, like: A home warranty Repair credits Flexible closing dates, or Leave behind appliances or furniture When I list a sellers home I provide a 'Certified Pre-Sold Home Guarantee' at NO COST to my seller clients. I pay for the inspection. Buyers love it! It's a differentiator between my services and the services of a traditional real estate agent. By doing this, it not only makes the home be more attractive to a buyer.It saves them the HOME INSPECTION costs, which is about a $500 savings.
The right answer depends on what buyers in your market are asking for and what matters most to you. That's exactly why working with an experienced local agent is so important.
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