Top 10 Cities Where Sellers Use Concessions to Entice Buyers

With economic concerns looming large, Americans are increasingly worried about a potential downturn. However, for those looking to purchase homes, there may be a silver lining ahead.

In the current real estate climate, the scales have started tipping in favor of house buyers, a transition highlighted in a recent Redfin report.

An unmistakable clue? Home sellers nationwide have begun offering concessions. Notably, 44.4% of property transactions in the first quarter of 2025 included some form of seller concession, an increase from 39.3% just the previous year.

These concessions vary — sellers may handle closing costs or cover repairs, offer to install new appliances, reduce the interest rate, or even take care of assorted fees, enhancing the appeal of the deal and speeding up the closure.

Homeowners, aware they need to act fast to finalize sales, often find themselves either providing these sweeteners or reducing list prices outright.

Many individuals who purchased homes during the peak price years of 2021 and 2022 are eager to command high sale prices now. Unfortunately, buyers are standing their ground, pushing for affordability.

A Market Under Pressure: Buyers Hold More Cards

Despite initial high expectations from sellers, current market dynamics are forcing adjustments. For instance, Redfin notes that homes initially listed at a median price of $469,729 ultimately close 9% lower, averaging around $431,057.

According to Elijah de la Campa, a Senior Economist at Redfin, there’s a widening gap between seller expectations and evolving market realities.

More listings than willing buyers characterize the current housing scene. With inhibitive mortgage rates and steep property tags, many buyers hesitate to make significant purchases amid economic unpredictability.

As de la Campa suggests, should this trend continue, seller concessions and price decreases might persist alongside a deceleration in price growth.

Pouncing on this change can be beneficial, as real estate agent Chaley McVay from Redfin in Portland highlights. Buyers are encouraged to negotiate — even bid below asking prices as such practices have become commonplace.

Cities Leading the Concession Charge

Below are the top 10 metropolitan areas in the US with the highest percentage of home sales involving seller concessions for the first quarter of 2025.

Seattle, WA

Concessions involved in 71.3% of sales

Portland, OR

63.9% of transactions included concessions

Atlanta, GA

Concessions featured in 61.5% of sales

San Diego, CA

60.7% of home sales involved concessions

Denver, CO

Sales concessions span 59.2% of deals

Los Angeles, CA

56.1% included seller concessions

Sacramento, CA

Concessions part of 52.5% of sales

Las Vegas, NV

51.9% of transactions had concessions

Riverside, CA

51.2% of sales featured concessions

Phoenix, AZ

Seller concessions in 51.2% of transactions