Seller Concessions — What You Can (and Should) Ask For

A plain-English list of the concessions Twin Cities buyers are negotiating in today's market.

In a balanced or buyer-leaning market, well-priced asks for concessions are often the difference between a deal closing and a deal stalling. Here's what we're actually negotiating on contracts in 2026.

Money concessions

Closing-cost credit (typically 1%–3% of purchase price).

Rate buydown — 2/1 or 3/2/1 temporary buydown that lowers buyer's payment for the first two-to-three years.

Home warranty (typically $550–$750) paid by seller.

Appraisal-gap coverage from the seller side when comps are thin.

Repair concessions

Sewer-line scope and repair credit.

Furnace/AC service and credit if outside expected life.

Roof certification and credit for remaining-life issues.

Radon mitigation system if levels test above 4.0 pCi/L.

Terms concessions

Post-close rent-back (typically free up to 60 days; small daily rate thereafter).

Earnest-money flexibility on appraisal contingency.

Inclusions — washer/dryer, fridge, snowblower, riding mower.