When buying a home, there are many costs beyond just the purchase price. One of these costs is closing costs, which can add up to thousands of dollars. However, there is a way for buyers to save on these costs through potential seller assistance, a.k.a. seller concession.
This article will explain seller assists, how they work, and how they can benefit buyers and sellers in real estate transactions.
Seller Assists Explained
Seller assists, also known as seller contributions, are agreements between the buyer and seller in a real estate transaction in which the seller agrees to pay a portion of the buyer’s closing costs. These costs can include fees for services such as appraisals, inspections, and title insurance.
Seller assists are typically negotiated during a real estate transaction’s offer and counteroffer stage. The buyer may request a certain amount of concessions, and the seller can accept, reject, or counter the offer.
How Does Seller Assist Work?
Seller assists are typically expressed as a percentage of the home’s purchase price. For example, a seller may agree to pay 3% of the purchase price towards the buyer’s closing costs.
The amount of seller assistance allowed can vary depending on the type of loan the buyer is using. For example, FHA loans allow up to 6% in seller assists, while conventional loans may only allow 3%.
It’s important to note that seller assists cannot exceed the actual amount of the buyer’s closing costs. If the seller agrees to pay 3% in concessions, but the buyer’s closing costs only amount to 2%, the remaining 1% cannot be used for any other purpose.
Benefits of Seller Assists for Buyers
Seller assists can be a significant benefit for buyers, especially those struggling to come up with the funds for closing costs. Buyers can save thousands of dollars upfront by having the seller cover a portion of these costs.
In addition, seller assists can also help buyers qualify for a more significant loan amount. By reducing the amount needed for closing costs, buyers may be able to afford a higher purchase price or put more money toward their down payment.
Benefits of Seller Assists for Sellers
While it may seem like seller assists only benefit the buyer, there are also advantages for sellers. By offering assists, sellers can make their home more attractive to potential buyers, especially in a competitive market.
In addition, seller assists can also help sellers close a deal faster. If a buyer struggles to find the funds for closing costs, offering an assist can help move the transaction along and prevent delays.
Types of Seller Assists
There are several types of seller assists that can be negotiated in a real estate transaction. These include:
Paying for Closing Costs
As mentioned earlier, the most common type of seller assist is paying for a portion of the buyer’s closing costs. This can include fees for services such as appraisals, inspections, and title insurance.
Prepaid Expenses
In addition to closing costs, sellers can also agree to pay for prepaid expenses, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance. This can help alleviate some of the financial burden for buyers in the first few months of homeownership.
Repair Credits
In some cases, sellers may agree to provide a credit to the buyer for any necessary repairs found during the home inspection. This can help offset the cost of repairs for the buyer and make the home more appealing.
Down Payment Assistance
In rare cases, sellers may agree to provide down payment assistance to the buyer. This can be in the form of a gift or a loan, and it can help buyers who may be struggling to come up with the necessary funds for a down payment.
Negotiating Seller Assists
Negotiating seller assists can be a delicate process, and both buyers and sellers need to understand their options and limitations. Here are some tips for negotiating seller concessions:
Know the Market
Before making an offer, it’s essential to research the current market conditions. If it’s a buyer’s market, where there are more homes for sale than buyers, sellers may be more willing to offer assists to make their home stand out. In a seller’s market, where there are more buyers than homes for sale, sellers may be less likely to offer assists.
Consider the Seller’s Motivation
Understanding the seller’s motivation can also play a role in negotiating seller concessions. If the seller is in a hurry to sell, they may be more willing to offer concessions to close the deal quickly. On the other hand, if the seller is in no rush to sell, they may be less likely to offer assists.
Be Reasonable
When requesting seller assists, it’s essential to be reasonable and not ask for too much. If the seller feels like they are being taken advantage of, they may reject the offer altogether. It’s important to consider the seller’s financial situation and not ask for more than they can reasonably afford.
Potential Drawbacks of Seller Assists
While seller assists can benefit both buyers and sellers, there are also potential drawbacks to consider.
Lower Net Profit for Sellers
By offering assists, sellers reduce their net profit from selling their home. This may not be a concern for highly motivated sellers, but it’s important to consider the financial impact.
Appraisal Issues
If the seller agrees to pay for a portion of the buyer’s closing costs, it can affect the appraisal of the home. If the home’s appraised value is lower than the purchase price, the lender may not approve the loan, and the deal could fall through.
Potential for Higher Purchase Price
In some cases, sellers may increase the purchase price of the home to cover the cost of assists. This can result in buyers paying more for the home in the long run.
Conclusion
Seller assists can be a valuable tool for buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. By understanding how they work and how to negotiate them, buyers and sellers can potentially save thousands of dollars in closing costs using real estate concessions. However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks and to negotiate assists carefully to ensure a successful and fair transaction for both parties involved.