Should Sellers Pay A Buyers Closing Costs? - What Sellers Need To Know In Today's Real Estate Market!

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.

THINK HOME PRICES WILL CRASH? - Summer 2026 - Senior To Seniors Podcast

THINK HOME PRICES WILL CRASH - HERES WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down. * Some believe a crash is coming and they’ll get a better deal if they hold off. * Others worry they’ll buy now and watch their home’s value fall later. And nobody wants to overpay or buy right before values drop. But here’s the question worth asking: What if the crash you’re waiting for isn’t actually coming? Because that’s what the latest data suggests. Experts Are Not Calling for a Crash

What Every Senior Needs To Know Before Their Next Doctors Visit - with Tina Baxter

Tina M. Baxter is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and a board-certified Gerontological Nurse Practitioner with more than 25 years of nursing experience and 18 years as a nurse practitioner. She is the founder and CEO of Baxter Professional Services, where she provides legal nurse consulting, chronic disease management coaching, wellness education, and healthcare resources for professionals and organizations. Tina is also the founder of The Nurse Shark Academy, where she mentors nurses and healthcare professionals in building successful businesses and creating greater impact in their communities. In addition, she hosts The Nurse Shark Academy Show, spotlighting healthcare leaders and entrepreneurs from across the country. Her expertise extends beyond traditional healthcare. Tina works with attorneys and insurance professionals to analyze complex medical records, helping uncover critical details that can make a difference in legal cases. She currently serves adult and geriatric patients with a special focus on mental health and wellness. A nationally recognized speaker, educator, author, and healthcare advocate, Tina has contributed to Entrepreneur.com, The Minority Nurse, LinkedIn, and numerous podcasts and media outlets. She is deeply involved in community service and remains committed to improving the lives of seniors, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike. You can find Tina M. Baxter, APRN, GNP-BC at Baxter Professional Services, LLC. Her direct phone number is 765-387-8046 and her website is baxterprofessionalservices.com. Tina is also providing to every listener a 'Health Matters' action guide. Go to: https://www.baxterprofessionalserviceshealtheducation.com/category/all-products

Why Seniors Are Moving - They're Not Downsizing, They Are Right-Sizing

This episode of Senior to Seniors focuses on why seniors move, highlighting that the top reason is to be closer to family and friends. Host Jim Mazziotti explains that senior moves are driven by life changes like health, home size, and family needs—not just real estate concerns. He emphasizes the importance of compassion, patience, and guidance from a senior real estate specialist, helping seniors “right size” their lives with dignity and confidence. Jim Mazziotti can be reached at JimMazziotti.com or by email at: SoarWithExit@gmail.com

How to Avoid ‘Wrong Number’ Text Scams

The Senior to Seniors Podcast from Jim Mazziotti Beware of the "Wrong Number" Text Scam Have you ever received a text message that looked something like this? "Hey, are we still meeting for dinner tonight?" Or perhaps: "Hi Susan, just checking on tomorrow's appointment." At first glance, it seems harmless. In fact, many of us have probably responded with a simple, "I think you have the wrong number." Unfortunately, that's exactly what scammers are hoping you'll do. What appears to be an innocent mistake is often the opening move in a carefully planned scam that has cost victims thousands—and sometimes even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. The Scam Doesn't Start With Money That's what makes this scam so dangerous. The scammer isn't usually asking for money right away. Instead, they're trying to start a conversation. Once you respond, they may apologize and begin chatting. They often come across as friendly, polite, and surprisingly personable. Before long, what started as a simple misunderstanding can turn into days or even weeks of ongoing communication. Many scammers are patient. They know trust takes time. Some will try to become your friend. Others may create a romantic connection. They often use fake photos, fabricated life stories, and carefully crafted conversations designed to make you feel comfortable and lower your guard. Eventually, the conversation turns toward an investment opportunity, cryptocurrency, a business venture, or some other financial opportunity that sounds too good to pass up. That's when the trap is sprung. The reason these scams are successful is simple: Good people want to be helpful. Many seniors have spent a lifetime treating others with kindness and respect. Scammers understand this and exploit those very qualities. They know that if they can get you talking, they have a chance to build a relationship. In today's world, loneliness can also make people vulnerable. A friendly conversation with someone who seems interested in your life can feel meaningful. Unfortunately, scammers understand human psychology better than most people realize. Common Red Flags Be cautious if a stranger texting you:  Claims they accidentally contacted you Continues the conversation after learning they have the wrong number Asks personal questions Shares photos of themselves early in the conversation Suggests moving the conversation to another messaging app Begins discussing investments, cryptocurrency, or financial opportunities Makes promises of unusually high returns or quick profits If any of these occur, it's time to stop communicating immediately. What Should You Do? The safest response is actually no response. Fraud experts recommend that if you receive a text from an unknown person, simply ignore it, delete it, and block the number. Even responding with "wrong number" confirms that your phone number is active. Once scammers know they're reaching a real person, your number may be targeted with additional scam attempts. Also remember: Never click links sent by unknown texters. Never share personal or financial information. Never send money to someone you've only met online or through text messages. Block and report suspicious numbers whenever possible. A Final Thought: Technology has made it easier than ever for us to stay connected with family and friends. Unfortunately, it has also given scammers new ways to reach potential victims. The next time you receive a text from someone you don't know, remember this: Not every wrong number is actually a mistake. Sometimes it's the first chapter in a story a scammer hopes you'll believe. Stay alert. Stay skeptical. And most importantly, protect yourself and the people you love. Because when it comes to scams, one simple reply can open a door that should have remained closed. Thanks for listening.