In recent months, we’ve seen seller concessions hit a new high: in the rolling three-month period ending mid-Q3, about 45% of U.S. home sales involved sellers offering concessions—the largest share for this time of year since at least 2020. That’s up from around 43% a year ago. With inventory up and competition easing, buyers have gained a bit more negotiating power, which is something I track closely for clients in Middlesex and beyond. Concessions aren’t just about dropping the price; they often cover repairs, help with closing costs, or mortgage-rate buydowns. This gives buyers more ways to lower their out-of-pocket costs, not just through the sticker price. Lately, I’ve seen sellers compete not only with price cuts, but also with closing cost credits and rate buydowns—reshaping how deals come together and making negotiations more flexible. Nationally, about 16% of homes sold in mid-Q3 combined a price reduction with a concession, creating additional paths for buyers to ease their entry costs. As always, I keep a close eye on these trends to make sure my clients have the full picture—no pressure, just facts.