When you find a home you love, the asking price is usually one of the first things you look at. But depending on the property and your local market, there may be opportunities to negotiate more than just the price.
And buyers may have more room to negotiate than they realize.
More Homes Can Mean More Choices
According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 1.62 million existing homes were available for sale nationwide in August 2026, an increase of 5.9% from a year earlier.¹
More homes to choose from can sometimes give buyers additional negotiating opportunities, particularly when a property has been on the market for a while.
Of course, every local market is different. Some homes still attract multiple offers, while others may have sellers who are more willing to discuss price or other terms.
Don’t Overlook Seller Concessions
Let’s say you’ve found a home that fits your needs, but you’re concerned about how much money you’ll need at closing.
Depending on your loan program and the seller’s willingness to negotiate, you may be able to ask for help covering eligible closing costs. That could leave you with more savings available for moving expenses, furnishings or unexpected costs after you move in.
There are limits on seller contributions, so it’s important to understand what’s allowed with your financing.
Could a Rate Buydown Make a Difference?
Another option worth asking about is a mortgage rate buydown.
In certain situations, seller contributions can be used to reduce your mortgage interest rate temporarily or for the life of the loan.
A temporary buydown lowers your initial monthly payments for a specified period before they increase to the full amount. A permanent buydown generally involves paying an upfront cost to secure a lower interest rate.
Both options have costs and eligibility requirements. If you’re considering a temporary buydown, you’ll also want to make sure the full payment fits your budget once the buydown period ends.
Look at the Entire Offer
Imagine you’re considering two homes with similar asking prices. One seller may be willing to reduce the price, while another might offer assistance with closing costs.
Which option makes more sense? It depends on your down payment, financing and long-term plans.
Rather than focusing on the asking price alone, consider how different terms could affect your upfront expenses and monthly payment.
If you’ve been waiting for a better time to buy, it may be worth finding out what opportunities are available in your market today.
Thinking about buying a home? Fill out the form below to connect with a Highlands loan officer. We can walk through different financing scenarios and help you understand what might be possible based on your budget and goals.
¹ Source: National Association of Realtors, August 2026 Existing-Home Sales Report.
