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uying a home is usually the biggest purchase most people will ever make, and market swings can make it even costlier. Even though autumn 2025 looks like a prime time for buyers, it’s still smart to negotiate to lower the overall price.
According to Carla Gericke of Porcupine Real Estate, the market is shifting toward buyers. “The fever has broken,” she says. “Inventory is rising, mortgage rates are holding steady around 6‑7 %, and sellers are blinking first.” Nearly half of U.S. sellers have reduced their asking prices, and homes are staying on the market longer. This means fewer bidding wars, more motivated sellers, and a return to the age‑old art of negotiation.
With this backdrop, here are key points to discuss when you make an offer:
**1. Ask for a price reduction.**
Gericke notes she recently secured a $10,000 discount for a client because the property had been on the market longer than average and had an old roof. A skilled agent can read the subtle clues—how long a home has sat, whether the seller is relocating, how many price cuts have occurred—and craft a persuasive pitch. First‑time buyers should keep a calm demeanor: start at the asking price to show good faith, then, after the inspection, request concessions.
**2. Negotiate closing costs and seller concessions.**
Lawrence Bellido, president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR Association, explains that a home that’s lingered on the market may allow the buyer to ask the seller to cover part of the closing costs or to buy down the mortgage rate. These concessions can make monthly payments more manageable.
**3. Use inspection findings strategically.**
Inspection reports open another negotiation avenue. Instead of insisting on every repair, Bellido advises buyers to ask for a repair credit or a price adjustment. This keeps the deal moving while giving the buyer the flexibility to handle fixes after closing.
**4. Consider rate buydowns and credits.**
If a seller is eager to close, they might offer a rate buydown or a credit toward closing costs. These options can reduce the long‑term cost of the loan.
In short, the current market favors buyers who are prepared to negotiate. By targeting price, closing costs, inspection repairs, and seller concessions, you can lower the total purchase price and secure a more favorable mortgage. This approach turns the home‑buying process into a strategic advantage rather than a financial burden.
